As the sun goes down #BlogElul 20

I have enjoyed the #BlogElul themes (for the most part) and how they have helped me think about the month of Elul and the upcoming High Holy Days. It's interesting that Endings is the theme that comes after Beginnings. At this time of the year, I think that endings come before beginnings.

We are saying goodbye to a week (shabbat shalom),
We are saying goodbye to a month (elul),
We are saying goodbye to a year (5772)
We are saying goodbye to a season (summer)

While it is hard to say goodbye to things and to people - one of the comforts is that saying goodbye allows us to welcome new times and new experiences. It reminds me of the Garden of Eden. While living in an idyllic place with eternal life does have its appeals - there is a significant sacrifice if eternal life means no new births.

So these endings allow us to have new beginnings - and we move from strength to strength.