The month of Elul is the time to prepare for Rosh Hashanah (the New Year). On Rosh Hashanah we come before the Judge and our portions for the year are set. What we receive is determined mostly by our actions. There is a general principle, mida kenegid meda. It means, "portion across from portion", i.e. what we receive will be formed by what we do.

     In Elul the King is in the field. This means that even the most simple of us can walk right over and talk to the King face to face. This is something we could never do if we had to gain entrance to His palace. The guards would never let us through the gate. What a wonderful opportunity we have.

    The letters that spell Elul are the initial letters of King Solomon's heart felt description of a Jew's relationship with Hashem, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine…,"[i] and this is what we want to take with us as we go through the year.

     Although Hashem is always close to all who call, during the year we tend to forget this, but during the month of Elul we are reminded by the special early morning prayers, the blowing of the shofar, and the excitement that begins to fill the air.

     May each of us receive a most favorable judgement… a year filled with joy and health with all of our prayers answered, and may we accomplish all of our positive goals. And, please G-d, may we become more aware of Your most glorious Presence.     

    Shanah Tovah U'metukah (A good and sweet year)