B"H
Friday, Elul 1, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / August 18, 2023
Today is the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul.Shabbat we read Parshat Shoftim.
The month of Elul is the last month of the Hebrew year. During this month we prepare for the New Year.
During the month of Elul we wish each other a"Shana Tova" - a happy and healthy New Year.
Beginning today throughout the month of Elul, the Shofar is sounded each day, after the morning service (except Shabbat). The daily sounding of the Shofar is a wake-up call. It reminds us of the significance of this month.
Our sages compare the month of Elul to a businessman who, at year's end takes stock of his business situation, analyzing his accomplishments of the outgoing year and reflecting upon his mistakes and opportunities which he missed during the year. Taking stock and reflecting on 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 beings.
Q. What is the historical significance of the month of Elul?
A. When the Jewish people worshipped the Golden Calf right after receiving the Torah, G-d wanted to destroy them. Moshe prayed to G-d to have mercy on His people and to forgive them. After 40 days of Moshe's prayer, G-d agreed.
He told Moshe to come up Mount Sinai again. Moshe ascended the Mountain on this day, Rosh Chodesh Elul and came down 40 days later, on Yom Kippur, with the Second Tablets and G-d's forgiveness for the Jewish people.
Ever since then, the month of Elul was designated as a month for repentance and forgiveness.
The Baal Shem Tov compares our accessibility to G-d, during this month of Elul, to a king who travels through the country to visit his citizens for one month during the year.
While the king is in his palace, it may be difficult for the average citizen to meet the king. But when the king travels through the countryside, everyone has access to him and can make any request of him.
The same is with G-d, explains the Baal Shem Tov. Other times of the year, one has to make a greater effort to penetrate the Gates of Heaven. However, during the month of Elul, G-d is easily accessible and fulfills all our requests.
SHABBAT SHALOM, CHODESH TOV & SHANA TOVA - A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Montreal candle lighting time: 7:39 / Shabbat ends: 8:44