Category: Elul

The Pardon

Elul Preparation: Day 27 – The Pardon

In regard to the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, we should keep in mind, that when a sin is committed we may appeal to G-d’s mercy. When we receive G-d’s forgiveness, we are pardoned for our transgression. This is also encapsulated in the thirteen attributes, “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:7).

The question may be asked whether or not thorough G-d’s mercy, His forgiveness also includes atonement. The main requirement for atonement is repentance, or in Hebrew, teshuvah, a return to G-d. This is the start of reconciliation between G-d and man.

Yet, this is a two-way interaction, that through G-d’s mercy, we are forgiven. However, teshuvah requires a change of heart, and commitment to not only abstain from sin; rather also, to do good. Therefore, we must compel ourselves to undertake an effort to be proactive in endeavors that will benefit the soul. Several undertakings are recommended:

It is written elsewhere that the study of Torah and acts of loving-kindness (gemilut chasadim) atone for sin (Talmud, tractate Berachos). This may be understood as two ingredients in the overall “recipe” for teshuvah. So, that rather than the effects of sin lingering, or being prone to fall back into sin, these two endeavors should guard us against future sin.

Add to this the recital of the thirteen attributes, in an earnest appeal to H’Shem. In acknowledgment that we cannot stand on our own, we must keep these in mind. When we recite these during the High Holiday services, a sense of humility should be fostered in our hearts as we acknowledge our spiritual weakness, and His merciful response to us.

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based on Bnei Yissacher:
Elul – Ma’amar 2:7

Elul Preparation: Day 20

“The lion roars, who will not fear?” -Amos 3:8

During the month of Elul, H’Shem elicits awe from His people. The Bnei Yissacher further explains, that this verse specifically relates to this season, because the word for lion in Hebrew, aryeh, is an acronym for Elul, Rosh HaSHannah, Yom Kippur and Hoshanna (Rabbah).

Imagine a lion, the king of the beasts, roaring to awaken all who fear him. Yiras H’Shem, a sense of awe, respect and reverence toward G-d is awakened in us this month, as we approach Yom HaDin (the Day of Judgment) for the New Year.

Let us prepare in earnest this year, by searching our conscience, and strengthening our devotion to H’Shem. Whatever has faltered in our efforts over the past year, may they be revived. And, may we receive new life, springing up within us, as a result of our efforts.

©2023 all rights reserved
based on Bnei Yissacher:
Elul – Ma’amar 1:20

Elul Preparation: Day 6

Elul Preparation: Day 6:

The importance of Elul with respect to Tammuz and Av. The culmination of the mourning process for the Beis HaMikdash leads into the month of introspection: this is no coincidence; rather, everything on the Hebrew calendar is divinely ordained. The Bnei Yissacher explains, that the month of Elul is associated with the pasuk (verse), “I will extol Thee, O L-RD, for Thou hast raised me up…” (Psalm 30:2).

Inasmuch that H’Shem’s Presence is amongst us, we may be lifted up out of the mire, so to speak, through teshuvah, during the month of Elul. As a result, we should exalt Him above our everyday concerns, placing our focus on Himas our highest priority in life. This doesn’t mean that we have to spend hours upon hours each day in the synagogue and studying Torah; rather, in all that we do (see Proverbs 3), we must have our eyes gazing toward Heaven with H’Shem in mind.

The Bnei Yissacher notes that the second part of the verse, “and my enemies did not rejoice over me,” refers to the teaching from the Zohar that the months of Nissan, Iya, and Sivan were given as a portion by lot to Jacob, while the months of Tammuz, Av, and Elul were given to Esau. Esau took a dark pleasure, a type of schadenfreude, in Israel being deprived of the sanctity of these months as preparation. Yet, Jacob wrested these out of the hands of Esau, re-establishing them for the sake of preparing the soul before Rosh HaSHannah; so, Esau was not able to rejoice.

What deeper insights can be drawn from this teaching? Ultimately, the yetzer hara, perhaps, here represented by Esau, cannot succeed in taking the opportunity away from us to repent during the month of Elul, try as much as it may. Even so, our efforts must be in the form of a sincere endeavor toward teshuvah, or else, G-d forbid, our yetzer hara may hamper our efforts.

Elul Preparation 5783

“Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in the nether-world, behold, Thou art there.”

– Psalm 139:7-8, JPS 1917 Tanach

During the month of Elul, we are called to look past the surface level of ourselves; this is no easy task for anyone caught up in images, that is to say, the presentation of oneself as an image that does not correspond to who one really is. Yet, we should be careful not to continue fooling ourselves, if we have not already recognized the false images of ourselves that we might unconsciously present to others. Instead of upgrading our image, we need to look closely at its flaws.

This is the only way to gain an honest assessment of oneself. For, we are compelled by the quality of this month to judge ourselves, in order to diminish being judged disfavourably on Rosh HaShannah. We have a full month’s preparation to examine our own conscience, for the sake of improving ourselves, by first “cleaning house.” We must empty ourselves of all the clutter that has accumulated over time, creating obstacles between us and our ideal potential.

Where can we start? In every moment, we have a starting point. That is to say, that we may start in the present moment. If recollected enough, insight can be gained into our true nature, both the good and the bad, the strengths and the weaknesses, the virtues and the flaws. As is written, H’Shem will be with us when we are focused on the positive; and, He will also be present in our endeavor to explore our negative character traits.

©2023 all rights reserved

motzei Shabbos: Elul Preparation

“Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in the nether-world, behold, Thou art there.”

– Psalm 139:7-8, JPS 1917 Tanach

During the month of Elul, we are called to look past the surface level of ourselves; this is no easy task for anyone caught up in images, that is to say, the presentation of oneself as an image that does not correspond to who one really is. Yet, we should be careful not to continue fooling ourselves, if we have not already recognized the false images of ourselves that we might unconsciously present to others. Instead of upgrading our image, we need to look closely at its flaws.

This is the only way to gain an honest assessment of oneself. For, we are compelled by the quality of this month to judge ourselves, in order to diminish being judged disfavourably on Rosh HaShannah. We have a full month’s preparation to examine our own conscience, for the sake of improving ourselves, by first “cleaning house.” We must empty ourselves of all the clutter that has accumulated over time, creating obstacles between us and our ideal potential.

Where can we start? In every moment, we have a starting point. That is to say, that we may start in the present moment. If recollected enough, insight can be gained into our true nature, both the good and the bad, the strengths and the weaknesses, the virtues and the flaws. As is written, H’Shem will be with us when we are focused on the positive; and, He will also be present in our endeavor to explore our negative character traits.