A Time of Renewal

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Our Year-End Intention

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

We have arrived at the month of Elul, which begins on August 9, 2021. The arrival of Elul signals the end of summer, where one sees the first signs of autumn clouds in the sky. This is the 12th and final month of the Hebrew calendar.

The month of Elul is a time of self-observation and preparation for the new year. Jewish tradition directs us to self-examination at this time of year, to understand what we want to change, and create a new reality in our lives.

This is a time when every person should reflect on what’s in their heart. In doing this, we can review our actions over the past year, pay attention to our mistakes, and draw conclusions concerning the future. This internal critique is called "Illul" in Aramaic (therefore the name Elul).

In Hebrew, the acronym for Elul (אלול) is Ani l'dodi vedodi li, or, "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" (Song of Songs 6:3). This verse from the Song of Songs has a flow of something eternal. "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine"—it goes on because it has no end.

Each person who believes in the Scriptures and lives a life of faith knows that a life full of spiritual abundance requires constant contemplation. On a daily basis, we all are searching deeper into our souls, not just once a year.

Search me, O God, and know my heart... And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

But even if we do this every day of the year, Elul is a good time to stop and see how we can improve our relationship with God, with our friends, and those around us.

At Vision for Israel, we take this special time to examine ourselves and ask how we can improve and expand what we started doing 27 years ago. It has been because of you, our faithful and trustworthy friends, that we’ve been able to bless so many.

Emergency and disaster relief; aid for the poor and needy, Holocaust survivors, victims of terror and their families; and help for all those in the land who are suffering—this is the work the Lord has called us to do, and we are eternally grateful for the blessings and partnership you have entrusted us with along the way.

As you consider your support to Vision for Israel, this month is a wonderful time to begin your monthly giving. Each of you gives us the strength, in prayers and support, to help us increase and expand our activities. Just as there are cycles in the year, we urge you to support Vision for Israel regularly, with any monthly amount you can afford.

With options for one-time or monthly gifts, you can provide a basis of support to sustain our far-reaching ministry—and make an indelible mark on the world, in whichever way God has called you to.

Our dear partners, we at Vision for Israel are lifting you all in our prayers, especially at this time, that the Lord will keep you, protect and preserve you, give you good health, and bless you with all blessings from above.