Elul

(Based on ru.chabad.org site)

Elul (Hebrew אֱלוּל.) - the final, the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar (and the sixth, starting from the month of Nisan - time Jewish exodus from Egypt). Elul lasts 29 days and usually occurs in the second half of August and the first half of September in the Gregorian calendar. Beginning of the month of Elul is celebrated 2 days.

Elul is a time of self-examination and debriefing, a good time to, in order to comprehend the actions committed and the internal work done throughout the year. This is a period to prepare for the coming Days of Awe - Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish "New Year", while the Heavenly Court) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

Elul is considered a "month of Divine Mercy," Elul - this is a very opportune time for teshuvah (repentance or literally "return"), prayer and charity. Also, it is good for a particular manifestation of the quality of Ahavat Yisrael (love for other Jews).

Founder hasiduta hub "D Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Ladi or" Old Rabbi ") compared the month of Elul to the time" when the king went into the field, leaving his palace, and all his subjects to can meet him, and he does not abandon each with special complacency and location. "


The most important Kabbalistic explanation of Elul is contained in the deciphering of its naming. Elul is the letter Aleph, Lamed, Vav, Dalet, which are treated as an abbreviation of "Ani Le Dodi ve Dodi Li": "I (belong) to my beloved, and my beloved - me ..." (Song of Songs, Shir-Ashir, 6: 3). As explained by the wise, loving couple in question in the Song of Songs - a Gd and people of Israel.


Here are some of the most important customs of the month of Elul.

1. Within a month of Elul (except Saturday and the last day of the month) blow the Shofar horn (ram's horn), calling for remorse;

2. When you write a letter or a meeting with someone accepted the conclusion to bless each other's wishes! "Ktiva Vahatima Tova" which means: "To you the good and the verdict was approved for the new year!";

3. The prayers are added to the psalms;

4. Being a month samovnaliza and verification of Elul - is a good time to give tefillin and mezuzah on the check experienced Sofer (scribe of the sacred scrolls) and ensure that they are kosher;

5. In the month of Elul read Selichot - special penitential prayers.