Elul 5771

The Zohar
	Turn Around
	From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; translation & commentary by Simcha-Shmuel Treister

Parashat Re'eh is read close to the time when Israel starts to say Penitential Prayers preparatory to Rosh Hashanah.

We have learned that there is nothing in the world that stands in the way of G-d accepting our repentance and he is certainly received in good favor by Him. Even though he may have caused damage, everything is repaired and all is restored to its pristine form.

The Holy Ari
	Elul Redemptions
	From the Writings of the Ari as recorded by Rabbi Chaim Vital; Translated and edited by Moshe-Yaakov Wisnefsky

A penitent goes out to war against his evil inclination and against the limbs of his body which had become accustomed to sin. Repeated sinful acts also weave a crude and vulgar "garment" for the soul. The penitent, as part of his repentance, must remove these filthy garments, as well. True remorse helps him reorient his energies toward goodness.

Mystical Classics
	For a Full Month
	From the Ohr HaChaim commentary by Rabbi Chaim (ben Moshe) Ibn Atar; translated and adapted by Eliyahu Munk

Our sages set aside the Month of Elul prior to the Day of Judgment, Rosh Hashanah, for penitence and self-flagellation to eradicate our sins. This assists the soul to assist us to remain on the correct path. Eventually, this soul will once more perform the task assigned to it.

Chasidic masters
	Mercy Month
	Adapted from the works of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi by Yehoshua Metzinger

The month of Elul is a time of preparation when we examine ourselves, regret our misdeeds and resolve to improve in order to reach a level so that, on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, G-dly revelation can descend to us.

Elul is a time of mercy, associated with the right hand, which embraces us. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, in Tishrei, are like the left hand under the head. The left is connected with fear, or the awe that comes from great respect, since it is during these "Ten Days of Repentance" G-d is considered in His aspect as king, and his kingship is over all worlds.

Contemporary Kabbalists
	With the King in the Field
	Translated and adapted by David Rothschild from a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

The month of Elul is considered an auspicious time to atone and work on ourselves. This is not simply because we are about to begin a new year, but it is during this month that G-d empowers us to ask for His forgiveness by inspiring us from Above, by shining forth His Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. This arousal from Above in turn induces our awakening from Below.

The Jewish People are face-to-face with G-d, each expressing one's love for the other. The heart of the giver is enwedged in the heart of the receiver and vice versa. We become the heart of G-d through Jewish unity by all Jews becoming equal one to another.

Ascent Lights
	Gateway to the New Year
	By Shaul Yosef Leiter

Elul, in turn, is the gateway to the month of Tishrei, the month of the High Holidays when we are judged for our actions of last year, and are awarded what we will receive in the coming year. A gate functions as both an entrance and exit, and, if necessary, can be closed, stopping unwanted traffic.

The Book of Tanya describes the body as a "small city" in which the opposing forces of good and evil are locked in a struggle for control. To help bring the forces of good to victory, each of us has to act as both "judge" and "policeman". As judge, we must determine if a certain desired behavior is correct according to Jewish law, and try to act accordingly. If our natural inclination does not wish to obey, we must act as a police officer and force it to comply.

Mystic Story
	"L’Chayim --To Life!"
	By Yerachmiel Tilles

For years he longed to see the Baal Shem Tov. He saved and scrimped until finally he had enough money.

Laws and Customs
	Traveling to the Tzadikim
	By Binyomin Adilman

Beginning in the month of Elul, many travel to be in presence of the spiritual masters.