During the month of Elul we are to prepare ourselves for the period of
the High Holidays, which begins with Rosh Hashana, continues with Yom
Kippur, and reaches its culmination on Hoshana Rabba, when the final
judgment is rendered. It was on Rosh Chodesh Elul when Moshe ascended
Mount Sinai to beseech the Almighty to forgive Benei Yisrael for the grave
sin of the golden calf. Forty days later, on Yom Kippur, God announced
His forgiveness. Thus, this forty-day period has traditionally been a
time of forgiveness, when God is – if we are allowed to say such a
thing – in a “forgiving mood.” It behooves us to take advantage of this
unique period and do what we can to earn atonement for the wrongs we
committed during the year.

It is proper to read works of Musar during the month of Elul. One
recommended book is “Sha’arei Teshuva,” the classic work by Rabbenu Yona
(Spain, 1180-1263) describing the process of Teshuva. Other recommended
works include Rabbenu Yona’s famous letter about repentance known as
“Iggeret Ha-Teshuva,” and the Rambam’s Hilchot Teshuva, which presents
the various requirements of Teshuva. Another work, “Orchot Chayim,” is
divided into thirty sections, which many have the practice of studying
on the thirty days of Elul. Some also have the practice to read
“Tikunei Ha-Zohar,” a collection of inspirational passages from the Zohar (the
basic text of Kabbala). The Kabbalists taught that the reading of this
work has the capacity to cleanse and purify one’s soul even if he does
not understand the material he reads.

One must be particularly diligent during the month of Elul to recite
each night “Keri’at Shema Al Ha’mita” before he goes to sleep. He should
include the “Ana” prayer, petitioning God for forgiveness for whatever
wrongs he may have committed over the course of that day.

One of the Berachot in the Amida service is that of “Hashivenu,” in
which we ask God to help us perform Teshuva. During the month of Elul, it
is proper to insert in this blessing the names of people who have
strayed from the proper path of observance, before the concluding blessing
“Baruch Ata Hashem Ha’rotzeh Be’tshuva.”

Many people have the custom to have their Tefillin and Mezuzot checked
during the month of Elul. According to strict Halacha, a person is
required to have his Mezuzot checked only twice in seven years, and
Tefillin worn every day do not require checking at all. Nevertheless, there
are those who make a point of having their Tefillin and Mezuzot checked
during Elul.

Although one must ensure to recite Birkat Ha’levana (the blessing over
the moon) every month, the Rabbis admonish us to be particularly
diligent with regard to Birkat Ha’levana for the month of Elul.

In general, one must raise his level of observance during the month of
Elul in preparation for the High Holidays, and in the merit of our
efforts we should be deserving of a year of peace and happiness for
ourselves, our families and our community, Amen.
By Rabbi Eli Mansour.