| Maimonides conveys the breadth of the teshuvah process. We need to examine not only our actions but also our thoughts and our emotions. And most difficult of all, we need to evaluate behaviors of body and mind that have become habitual, that have become part of our character. Contemporary psychology teaches that character traits are particularly resistant to change. What guidance does the tradition offer about how to effect such fundamental change?
The first lesson is that we need to be patient with ourselves. Significant change can not be accomplished quickly. Rabbi Elimelech of Lizensk (Tzetl Katan, #16) writes that "if you were born with a stubborn streak, go against your nature for a period of forty days, so that you act just the opposite of what your normal inclination is. Or if you are naturally lazy, see that for forty consecutive days you do everything quickly and energetically . . . ." Forty days takes us from the start of Elul to Yom Kippur. Use this period to work on one ingrained character trait you would like to change. Keep a journal. Forgive yourself if you make an error, and resume the journey forward.
The second lesson is that the process of change cannot be done in isolation. It is no accident that the season culminates in the communal services of Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. Change requires the support of community. Find someone you trust and permit them to join you in the process of change. Maimonides (Laws of Repentance 2:2) rules that a penitent "must verbally confess and state these matters which have been resolved in the heart."
Finally, I am reminded of Rabbi Yitzhak's statement in the Talmud (tractate Rosh Hashanah 16b) that four changes can lead to a change in a person's destiny: "acts of justice, crying out, changing one's name, and changing one's actions." What does it mean to "change one's name"? We are talking about something more than a formal change in a law court. Changing one's name means changing how you see yourself and how others see you. If you have you been known for your quick temper, acquire a reputation for calm responses. Are you accustomed to making formulaic responses on political issues? Pause to think each issue through on its merits. The month of Elul offers us a chance to start over.
Germantown Jewish Centre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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