Teshuva

Sept 3, 2025 (Elul 10, 5785)
Written by Nicole Salzano

Illustration by Nicole Salzano, done with oil pastels

It is the month of Elul. I hear the sound of the shofar, and feel a call in my soul to return. Return to myself. Return to my foundation. Return to Gd. As the shofar blows, my soul responds.

Elul is a time to re-evaluate, take note, take accountability. It is a time for both repentance and forgiveness, seeking and giving. It is a time for teshuva.

Teshuva, in simple translation is repentance, which means to be humbled by our misdeeds and to take action towards changing. Yet, teshuva is deeper than that. It is a call deep in our souls to return to who we are and to the one who created us. It is a call for authenticity and for faith.

In my journey of healing, I’ve found that one of the biggest steps I’ve taken towards healing is teshuva. Taking accountability, not only for who I’ve been, but who I will be, moving forward. From the thoughts I dwell on, to the words I speak, and the actions I take. Learning to face and understand the worst parts of myself, letting go of shame and guilt, and learning to embrace and love the best parts of myself. Learning to love myself as Hashem loves me, that I might share that love with others. For as we learn to love Gd, love ourselves, and love others, we become better able to participate in tikkun olam, the repairing of the world.