Coronavirus brought negative changes to all of us, but it brought positive changes for many of us as well. Elul is a time for recognizing those new changes and making them permanent. That’s why the Orthodox Union is partnering with dozens of synagogues across three countries to resolve — as individuals, families, and communities — to continue some of the positive ways that we’ve coped, connected, and transcended these difficult times. 

This Shabbat, August 21/22, Project Resolve Together offers an opportunity to reflect on these new realities, and be intentional about continuing them going forward. Whether it’s the daily walk around the block, the new commitment to daf yomi, calling bubby regularly, davening with kavana, or any of a hundred other small and big things many people have picked up in the past six months, now is the time to reflect and resolve.

How do you participate if your shul isn’t? Visit ou.org/resolve and print out the discussion guide. Work through it by yourself, with your spouse, family, or friends. Then commit to your new resolution. If you’re especially inspired by it, post it to your favorite social platform with the hashtag #resolvetogether and challenge a friend to do the same.

“As we have witnessed throughout the history of the Jewish people, even in times of tremendous pain and suffering, we are capable of rising to new heights spiritually, in acts of kindness and charity. Resolve Together enables families and community to grow from the strength of each other and incorporate these positive attributes even after the pandemic passes,” said Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane.

“We are living during a time of turbulence and uncertainty and our hope is that this Shabbos dedicated to ‘Resolve Together’ can be a personal resource for families to reflect on the positive ways in which each family has coped,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer. “Resolve Together is here to guide families on making continued changes and positive transformation as we adjust to the next phase of adapting to the global health crisis.”

Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs. For more information, visit https://www.ou.org/