| Dear Friends, Try wearing white next week, and the fashion police will be after you—not that you should be fazed by the dictates of trend. The end of the summer season brings a shift in attitude, which affects how we portray ourselves, and more importantly, how we view ourselves. Though the schools may be opening, on the Jewish calendar we're not starting the new year just yet. Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of the Jewish year, is still a few weeks away. Or maybe not. Maybe we should start the year before it starts. Think of it this way: If there aren't enough hours in your day, start the night before. If there aren't sufficient months in your year, start the month before. Starting the new year on the right foot means starting to turn over your new leaf a few weeks before Rosh Hashanah. Elul is a time of reevaluation and recommitment, setting the stage for a spiritual and meaningful Rosh Hashanah. So let's take a few moments to think about where we are and where we can be. Wishing you a sweet new year! Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team | 
