Elul … Are You Ready?

From the Desk of Cheryl Hauer

It is really hard to believe that summer is almost over and the fall holidays are only weeks away. Erev Rosh Hashanah falls on September 22 this year, roughly 5 weeks from now. And that means Elul, the month of preparation for Judaism’s holiest season, is at hand.

The name "Elul" is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Nehemiah 6:15, which notes the completion of the wall of Jerusalem on the twenty-fifth of Elul. That means the customs and practices associated with the month of Elul, especially its importance as a time of repentance and preparation for the High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), find their origin in later Jewish tradition.

While the Bible itself doesn't explicitly outline these customs, many aspects of the month of Elul are deeply rooted in the scriptures, beginning with the idea of preparation itself. It is a common theme in the Bible. From the detailed preparations of the ancient priesthood to Esther, who spent three days getting ready for her courageous entry into the king’s chamber, and Jesus (Yeshua), who spent 40 days preparing for his public ministry, being spiritually prepared for major events has consistently been a priority throughout Jewish history.

Repentance and forgiveness are key themes during Elul. The sages say this is because the month is linked to Moses's ascent of Mount Sinai to receive the second set of tablets after the sin of the Golden Calf, a 40-day period that emphasizes God's mercy and forgiveness. These aspects of God’s character are further highlighted in an Elul tradition that compares God to a king who becomes more approachable during this month, coming out into the fields to meet with his subjects.

The tradition of reciting Psalm 27 daily during the month, though it began in the 18th century, reflects the psalm's themes of seeking God's presence, protection, and salvation, which align with the penitent nature of the month. Additionally, the daily sounding of the shofar is a customary practice during Elul, serving as a wake-up call for introspection and repentance.

Although it wasn’t until sometime in the first millennia that Elul became a significant part of the holiday cycle, its traditions and customs, and their underlying themes and spiritual significance, are entrenched in the Torah. Today, as Christians are beginning to recognize the importance of our Hebraic foundations, many are joining the Jewish community in this journey of repentance leading up to the fall festivals.

Check out ‘Repent the Day Before You Die:  A 40 day Devotional Journey’ that will guide you through the life-changing experience that is Elul. Check it out now!

Blessings and Shalom,

Issachar Community