The month of Elul was given to us as a preparation for the Day of Awe. On Rosh Hashana we stand in front of Hashem for a court case which will decide our fate for the coming year. Every aspect of our lives will be examined. Everything from our physical to our financial state will be decided. A judgment such as this needs a lot of preparation. We use these days to enhance our prayer and repentance. (see Chayei Adam 138:1) The Maharil tells us that every night before going to sleep we should think about different aspects of our lives and how we conduct ourselves. How we can improve certain mitzvos or stop aveiros. Even to choose one aspect of our lives on which to improve and using this month to actively focus on that one thing is also a repentance which will be used tremendously our favor during the court case of Rosh Hashana.
Every morning at the end of shacharis we blow the shofar. The sound of the shofar is meant to awaken us from our spiritual slumber and start us thinking about improving our lives. Another custom of Elul which is brought by the Maharil is that when writing a letter (or e-mail), you should include the saying “kesiva v’chasima tova” at the beginning or the end. This is to wish them a good verdict in the coming court case.

Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh HymanMir Yeshiva, Jerusalem- [email protected]

Shabbat Shalom