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B"H

Tuesday, Elul 3, 5778 / August 14, 2018

 

Rosh Hashana,  which will usher in the new Hebrew Year, 5779, will begin Sunday night, September 9, through Monday (September 10) and Tuesday (September 11).

 

As mentioned yesterday, the Shofar is sounded throughout the month of Elul. 

 

Q. Each holiday has its specific mitzvot. The mitzvah of Rosh Hashana is the blowing of the Shofar, as commanded in the Torah. But why is the Shofar sounded each day of this month, Elul?

 

A. When Moshe went up Mount Sinai the first time to receive the Two Tablets, he stayed on the mountain forty days. Unfortunately, Jews gave up on Moshe coming back and made the Golden Calf, the day before he actually came down.

 

When Moshe came down the mountain and saw what they did, he broke the Tablets. Then Moshe went up again to pray for his people. G-d then told him to bring up two tablets upon which G-d will inscribe the Ten Commandmets a second time.

 

On Rosh Chodesh Elul, Moshe went up a third time and stayed there for forty days. Thus, the entire month of Elul and an additional ten days until Yom Kippur, he was on the mountain. On Yom Kippur G-d completely forgave their sin and Moshe came down with the second set of Tablets.

 

In order to make sure that the sin of the Golden Calf will not be repeated, they blew the Shofar the entire month of Elul to remind the people that Moshe was coming back. From then on it was established to blow the Shofar throughout the month of Elul.

 

Another reason for the sounding of the Shofar during this month is that it serves as a wake-up call. It reminds us of the significance of this month, for it’s the last month of the year.

 

Our sages compare the month of Elul to a businessman who, at year's end takes stock of his business situation.  Analyzing his accomplishments during the outgoing year and reflecting upon his mistakes and opportunities which he missed during the year.  Taking stock and reflecting on the past performances is essential to the continuation and success of the business. 

 

The month of Elul serves the same purpose.  During this month we prepare ourselves for the coming year by reviewing our spiritual accomplishments and the lack of them in the past year. We reflect upon our behavior and our relationship with G-d as well as with our fellow human. The Shofar is a reminder of the importance of each day of this month.

 

It is customary that during the month of Elul we wish each other a "Shana Tova" - A Happy and Healthy New Year. May we all be inscribed for a healthy and successful year.  Amen

 

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY