Reflect, Recall and Repent: The Month of Elul

On the Hebrew calendar we have arrived at the month of Elul. Elul is a time for reflection and repentance as we prepare for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Tradition teaches that this month is a special period when we prepare ourselves for the intense time of introspection and prayer that is fast approaching. There are several traditions and rituals that help us in our spiritual preparations.

Reflect: Sounding of the shofar.

Our rabbis have decreed that the shofar (ram's horn) is to be sounded after the Shacharit (morning) service every day of the month except Shabbat and the day before Rosh Hashanah. The purpose of this sounding is to awaken us from our complacency and arouse us to the need to repent. While on Rosh Hashanah the shofar is traditionally blown 100 times, during Elul it is sounded only four times each day, thus ensuring a difference between the biblical commandment to blow the horn on the Holiday and the rabbinical requirement to sound it during Elul.

Repent: Seeking forgiveness.

During this month it is proper to seek forgiveness from those whom we may have wronged during the year. We are taught that G-d will not forgive us for sins against other people if we do not first seek forgiveness from them.This may not be an easy thing to do but it is essential that we reconcile with those whom we have harmed in any way. This is the first step in spiritual healing.

Recall: Visiting the Cemetery

The tradition of visiting a cemetery may seem strange, but it is a very moving and strengthening experience. Often a service is held in the cemetery or individuals a offer personal prayers. These traditions offer us a special time to reflect on our own frailties and mortality. We recall the merit those whose lives are represented here. We experience a powerful incentive to renew our own commitment to living a righteous life and to repent of our wrongdoings.

As this very special month comes to a close, we recite the penitential prayers known as Selichot, which will be the subject of my next post.

As we continue through this season of repentance may you feel and know the Presence of G-d very near and real.

Related links:
The Month of Elul and Selichot
"The Secret of Elul"
"Leading Into the High Holidays"