The month of Elul is a time when we reflect on where we stand and where we should be going. Traditionally, the shofar is blown each morning, from the first day of Elul until the day before Rosh Hashanah. The sound is intended to awaken the soul and kickstart the spiritual accounting that occurs throughout the month. This year we have multiple offerings for learning and connection with all of our clergy.
Register for all programs by using the links below, emailing Esther Olson, or by calling the office at (314) 469-0700.
Bring your lunch and join Rabbi Reinhart and Rabbi Rosenberg for these learning opportunities. Each session can stand on its own. Come for one or all as we explore how these sacred readings continue to shape our hearts and our High Holy Days.
All sessions are 12:30–2:00 p.m. in the Millstone Library.
The High Holy Days are framed by powerful Torah readings—narratives that ask us to wrestle with beginnings, tests of faith, ritual, community, and the meaning of holiness. In this two-part Elul series, we’ll dive into the iconic Torah texts of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Why these stories? What do they reveal about how we return, renew, and repair? Register here.
Session 1: In the Beginning, A Test
Saturday, August 30
Creation and the Binding of Isaac—Rosh Hashanah’s Torah stories and the tensions they hold. What does it mean to begin again? What does faith require of us?
Session 2: A Tale of Three Readings
Saturday, September 13
Leviticus 16, Nitzavim, and Leviticus 19—how the Yom Kippur Torah readings move us from sacrifice to covenant to ethical holiness, and why the Reform movement changed what we read.
Holy Prep: A Heart Awakening for Elul with Rabbi Rosenberg
Three Mussar Middot to Ready the Soul
The month of Elul calls us to get ready: not just logistically, but spiritually, for the Days of Awe. In this three-part Mussar series, we’ll explore a path of middot (soul traits) to help soften, strengthen, and awaken the heart as we move toward Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Each session will focus on one trait, using Mussar texts, guided reflection, and group conversation to help us deepen our personal practice of teshuvah (return). Come for all three sessions or drop in as you’re able. Each session stands on its own, offering meaningful tools for soul-prep this season.
Register for Monday sessions.
Register for Tuesday sessions.
Session 1: Savlanut (Patience)
Monday, August 25, 6:30–8 p.m. & Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2–3:30 p.m.
Salvanut: Creating spaciousness for growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Session 2: Anavah (Humility)
Monday, September 8, 6:30–8 p.m. & Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2–3:30 p.m.
Anavah: Balancing self-worth and self-restraint; walking with grounded presence.
Session 3: Bitachon (Trust)
Monday, September 15, 6:30–8 p.m. & Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2–3:30 p.m.
Bitachon: Letting go into what we cannot control, while holding fast to hope.
13788 Conway Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-469-0700 (Main Office/Clergy)
314-434-3404 (School Office)
temple@unitedhebrew.org
Monday - Friday,
8:30 am - 5:15 pm
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