Emunah Minute | Self Inspired

In this Emunah Minute for Elul, Rabbi Silber opens Tehillim 27 by noticing something in its introduction: most of David's chapters begin "Mizmor L'David" — David inspired by music — but this one is "L'David" alone, meaning David inspired himself with nothing external at all. He draws out a simple but powerful message for the start of Elul: real spiritual awakening cannot be outsourced to a rebbi, a shiur, or a passing moment of inspiration that happens to land on you — it has to be a decision you make for yourself. If you want something out of this Elul season, Rabbi Silber teaches, you have to take the reins of your own spirituality and make it happen.

• Real inspiration cannot be outsourced — waiting for someone else to inspire you gives away control of your own growth.
• If you want something out of Elul, you have to decide to make it happen for yourself.
• The first step toward real change is a personal decision, not an external trigger.
• Taking responsibility for your own spiritual trajectory is the first move toward becoming someone greater.