B"H
Tuesday, Menachem Av 30, 5784 / September 3, 2024
Happy Rosh Chodesh. Today is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul.
Elul is the last month of the outgoing year, 5784. Some Hebrew months have 29 days and some 30 days. The month of Elul consists of 29 days. Rosh Hashana will begin Wednesday night October 2, through Thursday, October 3 & Friday, October 4. Rosh Hashana will usher in the New Year, 5785.
During the entire month of Elul, which is the last month of this year, we prepare for the coming 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 of the past year and 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 of and understand the mistakes of the past and learn from them, in order not to repeat them, and make the proper corrections in the future.
The month of Elul serves the same purpose. During this month we must prepare ourselves for the coming year by reviewing our accomplishments and the lack of them in the past year. We reflect upon our behavior of the year in our relationship with G-d as well as with our fellow human beings.
Contrary to the businessman, who cannot undo many of his past mistakes, we, through repentance and G-d's forgiveness, can correct our past. It is a special gift which G-d gave us.
During Elul we concentrate more on doing mitzvot, especially the mitzvah of Tzedakah - charity. We pray with more devotion in asking G-d's forgiveness. Indeed, 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 Shofar is sounded each day of the month after the morning service. (except on Shabbat and the day before Rosh Hashana).
Jews of Sephardic origin recite special "Selichot" prayers early morning each day during the month of Elul. Those of Ashkenazi origin will begin the Selichot services on Shabbat night before Rosh Hashana.
The reason for the sounding of the Shofar during this month is to awaken the people to repentance. For the sound of the Shofar 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?'"
From the beginning of the month of Elul until Yom Kippur, we wish each other to be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Good Life. May the New Year bring good health, success and nachas to all.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY
A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL CHODESH-MONTH & SHANA TOVA
UNITED WE STAND AND PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY TO BE RELEASED NOW