A Month of Reflection: A Daily, Personal, Hands-on Practice to Prepare for the Jewish New Year

Back again for the third year, Emily Gaines Demsky and Rabbi Jessy Dressin put a creative spin on the old practice of cheshbon hanefesh, or accounting of the soul, with a self-paced and self-guided month-long commitment using a card deck of 30 prompts. You select the time, place, and vehicle for responding to the prompts, and can choose to connect with the facilitators or other participants in four optional check-ins throughout the month if your practice is enhanced by sharing with others.

Note: This practice is designed to be done personally or in community. Attend all of the Wednesday sessions, or none of them. It’s up to you!

Discover your inner barometer and burning questions as you enter the High Holiday season through thinking, journaling, talking (to a friend, to yourself, or to G!d), or making art! Enhance your experience with a packet of art supplies (quantities limited).

Optional check-ins: Wednesdays, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26, Sept 2, Sept 9 | 4 – 5 pm (on Zoom for the first 3; final in person 4 – 5:30 pm)

Emily Gaines Demsky is passionate about the power of perspective. She makes bright paintings of flowers – the ultimate symbol of hope and possibility – and she is the founder of Tell Me 3 Good Things on Substack, a community practice where we Notice, Name + Share simple good things each day as a way of keeping hope alive during difficult times. Emily is also the creator of the f/LIGHT DECK, a tangible tool to help curious people shift their perspective and shift their lives.