As the last few hours of the year pass; as the last day of Elul passes, it is time to reflect on the craziest year in most of our lifetimes. How has it been? Do we feel closer or more distant? What should we feel?

Part of the secret may lie within the concept of Elul itself. Embedded in source after source, we need to explore what our task is over this period of time.

The Gemoro In Bava Basra relates how Iyov suggested that he was suffering because, perhaps, Hashem mixed up Iyov with 'Oyev' - meaning 'enemy'. Amongst the responses that Hashem gave to Iyov, was one where He said: 

“Who has divided a channel for the torrent of rain, or a path for the lightning of thunder”?  I have created many drops of water in the clouds, and for each drop I created its own channel, so that two drops should not emerge from the same channel. If two drops were to emerge from the same channel they would destroy the earth and it would not yield produce. Now, if I do not confuse one drop with another, would I confuse Iyov with oyev?

Now, amongst the many ideas behind this deep passage, is the fact that Hashem controls every single individual raindrop. He is aware of every placement. This is remarkably reminiscent of the famous prayer of Unesaneh Tokef which we will say over Rosh Hashono and Yom Kippur. There, we describe the precision with which Hashem scrutinises every individual, like sheep. 

He maintains an exclusive relationship with every single one of us, and we receive exactly what we should. But if we desire a positive connection, we have to make the first move. As we have noted before, the first few steps of AA express the need to acknowledge that we are powerless and need the assistance of 'a Power greater than ourselves'.

If we want that connection, we have the opportunity to grab the reins, by recognising who is holding the rains.

Have a sweet, inspiring and healthy year ahead!