Videos on the month of Elul

Throughout the month of Elul, the Jewish people has a collective task: to prepare itself to be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year. Indeed, there is a Jewish custom to wear white on Rosh Hashanah eve, to express the certainty that all will be inscribed in the Book of the Righteous. Clearly, then, the preparation for this must also be with unity.

The sages teach that “Elul” is an acronym for the verse in Song of Songs: “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine.”

In explaining the unique properties of the month of Elul, the Alter Rebbe invokes a parable of a loving king who comes to visit his subjects in their world, the ‘field’. An examination of the details of this parable reveals a template for successful parenting, education and marriage. (Based on Ani L’dodi 5726)

Traditionally, the month of Elul is a period of preparation for the High-Holy-Days when G-d sits in judgment over the fate of each of person. This class presents a deeper and transformative understanding of this special time. Ultimately, uncovering the paradox in the four progressive stages of connection afforded during this period, culminating with the High Holidays. (Based on the maamar Ani L'dodi 5732)

Traditionally, the month of Elul is a period of preparation for the High-Holy-Days when G-d sits in judgment over the fate of each of person. This class presents a deeper and transformative understanding of this special time. (Based on the maamar Ani L'dodi 5732)

Chassidus teaches that throughout the month of Elul the Almighty is “unusually accessible” to every Jew as He displays “a smiling countenance and receives everyone with grace and favor.” Then, why are we not enjoined to be joyous?! In answering the question, this talk addresses the obligation to educate children, and reveals a unique kind of joy that lies at the core of the preparatory days of Elul. (Sefer HaSichos 5748, Shoftim)

A deeper understanding of the significance of the month of Elul and how the blowing of the shofar during this month is, in some way, even higher than the shofar of Rosh Hashana. (Based on the maamor Ani L'dodi 5732)

The verse (Deut 17:14) "When you settle in the land... and you say, 'Let us appoint a king...'" is the basis for the mitzvah for the Jewish people to appoint a monarch. Why is the Hebrew word for "when you settle" (v'yashavta) written with an extra letter "hei" at the end?

The name of the Hebrew month Elul is spelled alef-lamed-vav-lamed. This corresponds to five different scriptural acronyms that represent five areas of special emphasis in Elul: 1) Torah study, 2) prayer, 3) acts of kindness, 4) repentance and 5) redemption.

Explore the special opportunities available in the month of Elul and the powerful ways to access them.

Learn the mystical dimension of the Jewish month embedded in its Hebrew name, mazal, tribe, attribute and more. The Hebrew zodiac for Elul is “besulah” (virgin), a.k.a. Virgo.

The transformational potential of Elul starts with a nudge from G-d, empowering us to do our part. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 19 Shoftim)

Elul, the month of feminine energy, is a time to incubate and grow small changes in our lives to give birth to a deeper, transformed relationship between G‑d and man.

The month of Elul is a time for introspection. While we may have big plans for change, it's the little things in life that can have a huge impact.

The Chassidic approach to preparing for the High Holidays and the New Year during the month of Elul offers a novel and revolutionary perspective to a time formerly associated with dread, fear and guilt.

The Alter Rebbe gives a parable concerning the month of Elul: Throughout this month, G-d, so-to-speak, is like a king who stands in the field outside his royal city, where he greets all his subjects with a loving countenance.

The month of Elul is a time for repentance and introspection before the coming of Rosh Hashanah. Yet there are some who use this time of year to chastise their congregations instead of inspiring them.

During the month of Elul it is customary to check one’s tefillin and mezuzos. Be sure to get yours checked and have a sweet new year.

The Alter Rebbe offers a parable illustrating G-d’s closeness to every Jew during the month of Elul

The month of Elul is a time of introspection and preparation for the Days of Awe. In an address to children, the Rebbe teaches how we can all infuse these days with greater meaning.

The goal of Jewish life should undoubtedly be spiritual – growth in the study and observance of Torah. If after this simple test, one sees that this isn’t the case, then the month of Elul is the perfect time to get things in focus.

In a Jewish household, the wife and mother is called the mainstay of the home. But when it comes to the month of Elul, every Jew should strive to fulfill this role.

At the commencement of Elul, the month preceding Rosh Hashanah, we begin to reflect on the year that passed, and on improving our relationship with G-d. The Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad, compared the Almighty during the month of Elul to a king who goes out to the field to make himself accessible to all. But it’s our responsibility to take full advantage of this time - after all, soon the King will return to his chambers.

Seize the special opportunity this month brings!

What is the difference between successful people and those that aren’t successful at trying those same things? The name of the month preceding the Jewish New Year contains a clue.

In addition to providing a safe haven for one that inadvertently kills someone, the city of refuge is an opportunity to repent and make amends.

How to harness the power of teshuva during the month of Elul.

What is Teshuva and how should we approach doing it?

Practical tips to enhance your teshuva experience and use this auspicious time to connect with your true self.

Chapter 27 of Psalms begins, "By David: The Lord is my Light!" and is known by the Hebrew words, "L'David Hashem Ori." This psalm is customarily recited twice a day starting a month before Rosh Hashanah. What is the deeper meaning of this prayer and what is its connection to the High Holiday season?

Discover history, rhyme and reason of the pre-High Holiday month-long Shofar sounding. Although the ululating of the Ram’s horn has become synonymous with soul-stirring Elul energy and end-of-year spiritual stock-taking, it’s really iconic of Rosh Hashanah—begging the question, why we did appropriate and expand it? Elucidating the jurisprudence behind this cherished tradition reveals unique Ashkenazic and Sephardic applications of kindred spiritual awakening, traditionally associated with the month of Elul and our preparations for the High Holy Day Season.

Psalm 27’s prophetic poetic prose encapsulate the soul’s yearning; seeming to organically reflect Elul energy and this spiritually saturated season. Yet, while the practice of adding it to daily prayers appears to be ancient, cherished and timeworn, the earliest actual source is but three centuries old – begging many questions: where did it originate, how’d it spread so widely, and why do we say it?! Weaving an intricate tapestry of Torah to continue the thesis birthed in the part 1, an insightful and inspirational clarification, preparing us for High Holy Day Season, develops!

Although sharing good wishes with family and friends in the lead up to Rosh Hashanah – in word and writing – seems so natural to this season; it isn't actually legislated in primary Halachik codes—although a 14th century book of customs, instructs to also include such sentiment when sending a letter. The unusual verbiage and its absence from the Shulchan Aruch begs for clarification. A careful analysis of Elul acronyms, reveals a deeper dimension of this special month's emphasis and activities, especially as illuminated by our Rebbe's teachings.

The Previous Rebbe describes Elul in a way that comprises four elements. Discover how a time that emphasizes our own unitive from below, really begins with support from above.

Learn two mystical explanations into the name Elul, which allude to the two aspects of this month—when we look back at the past year and prepare for the coming year.

A brief pre-Rosh Hashanah insight into letting go of unhealthy thinking and embracing meaningful mindfulness to access blessings for the New Year.

A Rosh Hashanah greeting from Sara Esther Crispe, editor of TheJewishWoman.org.

Several explanations of why the Hebrew word "naara" (young girl) is spelled differently than it is pronounced thirteen out of the fourteen times it appears in a single Torah portion.

An excerpt from the JEM film, Tishrei with the Rebbe, Volume I, featuring inspiring scenes from the month of Elul.

A collection of unique images of some of the most memorable moments with the Rebbe during the month of Elul.

The connection between the start of a new year and the 98 curses read in this week’s Torah portion.