B"H

Thursday, Elul 5, 5782 / September 1, 2022

The Torah reading this Shabbat is Parshat Shoftim.  It is the first Shabbat in the month of Elul.

Elul is a special month.  Each day of the month (except Shabbat) the Shofar is sounded after the morning prayers.  Psalm 27 is recited each day of the month.  Many recite additional chapters of Psalms during these auspicious days.  The month of Elul, being the last month of the year, is when we prepare for The New Year.

Our sages compare preparing for the coming year to a businessman who, at year's end takes stock of his business situation.  Analyzing his accomplishments during the year, while at the same time reflecting upon his mistakes and opportunities which he let pass by.  This helps him realize greater success from the business in the future.  One must be aware and understand the mistakes of the past in order not to repeat them in the future.

The month of Elul, at the conclusion of the year, serves the same purpose.  During this month we prepare ourselves for the coming year by reviewing our accomplishments and the lack of them in the past year.  We reflect upon our relationship with G-d, during the past year, as well as with our fellow human beings. 

Elul is called "Chodesh HaRachamim" the "month of mercy." For G-d, who is merciful at all times, extends a much greater level of mercy during this time of the year.

The Code of Jewish Law states, "The period between Rosh Chodesh Elul until after Yom Kippur is a very auspicious time.   The Holy One, blessed be He, accepts all year the repentance of those who turn unto Him wholeheartedly.  Yet, these days are appropriate and suited for repentance, for they are days of mercy and good-will.  During the month of Elul, Moshe ascended Mount Sinai to receive the second tablets.  He stayed on the mountain forty days and descended [with the second tablets] on the tenth day of the month of Tishrei, when the atonement [for the sin of the Golden Calf] was completed.  From that time on these days have been set as days of good will, and Yom Kippur as the Day of Atonement."

Code of Jewish Law: "The reason for the sounding of the Shofar during this month is to awaken the people to repentance.  It has the quality to stir the hearts, as it is written (Amos 3:6) 'Shall a Shofar be blown in a city and the people not tremble?'"

It is important to remember that during this month, when we ask G-d to show us His mercy and kindness to inscribe us in the Book of Life, prosperity, Nachas and good health, we, too, must extend a greater measure of concern for others, through acts of kindness and generosity.

Remember: Worry is a conversation we have with ourselves about things we cannot change. Prayer is a conversation we have with G-d about things He can change.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

& SHANA TOVA – A HAPPY HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR