30 Days to the High Holy Days

Have you ever noticed how many “30 Day Challenges” our society gives us? Challenges to lose weight, to learn a language, to straighten up your house, or even straighten up your finances! The world loves to give us month-long challenges.

But did you know the Jewish people have been doing a 30-Day Challenge for thousands of years?

That’s right! The Hebrew month of Elul began last night at sunset. And so did an ancient biblical Jewish practice—one Jesus likely participated in. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and conclude on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This annual month-long challenge—performed by generations of Jewish people—lays the groundwork for real and lasting change.

Host Yael Eckstein shows us that it takes a full ...