In early September, Pico Union Project, the LA nonprofit and interfaith destination providing services to the underinvested community of Pico-Union, will release its annual book Jewels of Elul, a collection of short essays from global luminaries with diverse backgrounds in social activism, the arts, politics, business, academia and religion/spirituality. The book embodies a potent message of coming together across different belief systems, a quality that many will find attractive in the current global climate and in the lead up to the U.S. elections.
Every year for the last 22 years, Pico Union Project founder and executive director Craig Taubman has spearheaded the limited-edition print book and corresponding daily newsletters Jewels of Elul. “Jewels” are bite-sized introspective essays from luminaries that reflect on one unifying theme; Elul is the period of 29 days leading up to the Jewish High Holidays—traditionally a time for soul-searching and personal growth. Although Elul is a Jewish tradition, this book is intended for audiences of all backgrounds and faiths. Jewels of Elul XXII asks contributors to reflect on the question: If not now, when?
Taubman selected contributors of diverse belief systems who bring different perspectives to Jewels as a way to encourage curiosity and conversation rather than deepen divisions. Contributors to Jewels XXII include Aziza Hasan, executive director of the New Ground Muslim-Jewish Partnership; Alexander Vindman, retired U.S. lieutenant colonel; Sarah Hurwitz, author and speechwriter for the Obamas; prominent artist Gayle Kabaker; and Rabbi Sharon Brous, author and founder of IKAR, among many others. The full list of powerhouse contributors is available on the website.
Jewels of Elul XXII will be available for purchase as a print booklet at the link in quantities of 10 or more—intended for group reflections, organizations, and congregations of all faiths—starting in early September, as well as for free, serialized via a daily email newsletter. (You can sign up for that here).
Proceeds from print sales of Jewels benefit the Pico Union Project, supporting the organization’s mission to build a community that feeds mind, body and soul. According to Taubman, the power of Jewels and his “why” behind spearheading the book year after year lies in its ability to unite diverse voices and inspire curiosity versus fear of those who think differently than we do.
