Pearls of Elul 5786 - Day Twelve

August 24 | 11 Elul

I have loved this version of V’al Kulam by Craig Taubman since hearing it over a decade ago.  It gives musical expression to one of the most vulnerable prayers of the High Holy Day liturgy, “For all of these, forgive us, pardon us, grant us atonement.” Rather than allowing the words of confession to become overwhelming, I feel that Craig Taubman’s melody creates space to sit with and acknowledge our mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and imagine the possibility of beginning again.

In Elul, that work of reflection begins before we ever arrive at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. V’al Kulam invites us to listen inwardly, name what we need to repair, and enter the Days of Awe with open hearts and a willingness to return.

V’al Kulam, Craig Taubman