The word for “return” in Hebrew is Teshuva. Teshuva is often translated as “repentance” although it literally means “return.” The sages understood that to achieve real repentance, we must first return to our true or purest selves.
This is a collection of stories about people looking back. What do they know now that they wish they knew then? What has changed? What has remained constant? As we prepare to move forward into the new year, the month of Elul is an opportunity to look back to the collective wisdom of our experiences as a guide for the future. May this book of Jewels be a source of inspiration for you to re-envision, to revise and to reimagine the trajectory of your life during this season of Teshuva.
My sincere gratitude to the contributors who shared their insights with us this year. I am also grateful to our new partners at Reboot and to Ken Blaker for designing and building our new Jewels APP. Finally a special thank you to the Milken Archive of Jewish Music, Sam Rotenberg, and Rick Lupert who have returned to the task of bringing Jewels of Elul to life.
May the coming year be filled with health, joy, and many fulfilling returns.
Craig Taubman
Craig Taubman is the producer of Jewels of Elul. www.craignco.com
