Strengthen the Heart: Elul 23

Psalm 27 closes with an urging: “Look to the Eternal; be strong and of good courage! O look to the Eternal!” (Psalm 27:14). The verse is less about passively waiting, and more about actively turning our gaze toward God. Elul invites us to recenter on what matters, to refocus on the bigger picture, and to place our attention with intention.

When are you tempted to look away? What drives that feeling: fear, responsibility, truth? What would it mean today to lift your eyes and face it with strength?

Kavanah: Turn your gaze with courage toward what matters most.

Explore the full Elul intentions here.

Authors

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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  • Rabbi Jeremy Markiz headshot

    Rabbi Jeremy Markiz is a teacher and consultant. Based in the Washington, DC area, he teaches the Torah of personal growth, meaning and intentionality, and making the world a better place. He writes a newsletter called, With Torah and Love. Rabbi Markiz helps clergy, congregations, and Jewish organizations grow and communicate clearly in the digital world, develop effective strategies, and solve problems with his consulting firm, Next Level Rabbinics.

    View all posts

Authors

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

  • Rabbi Jeremy Markiz headshot

    Rabbi Jeremy Markiz is a teacher and consultant. Based in the Washington, DC area, he teaches the Torah of personal growth, meaning and intentionality, and making the world a better place. He writes a newsletter called, With Torah and Love. Rabbi Markiz helps clergy, congregations, and Jewish organizations grow and communicate clearly in the digital world, develop effective strategies, and solve problems with his consulting firm, Next Level Rabbinics.

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