Living Torah Archives

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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.