The Quest for Self Improvement

As the last month of the Jewish year, Elul is traditionally a time of introspection and stocktaking -- a time to review one's deeds and spiritual progress over the past year and prepare for the upcoming "Days of Awe" of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. 

As the month of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness it is a most opportune time for teshuvah ("return" to G-d), prayer, charity, and increased Ahavat Yisrael (love for a fellow Jew) in the quest for self-improvement and coming closer to G-d. Chassidic master Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi likens the month of Elul to a time when "the king is in the field" and, in contrast to when he is in the royal palace, "everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all." 

Specific Elul customs include the daily sounding of the shofar (ram's horn) as a call to repentance. The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul (Sunday) until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).  

Elul is also the time to have one's tephillin and mezuzahs checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use. As tephillin and mezuzot provide protection for the wearer and for Jews everywhere, this is especially important this year when anti-Semitic and anti-Israel attacks have been on the increase. Should you wish to do so please contact Helen who will put you in touch with the scribe.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM Shabbat Re'eh 5774