The last twelve days of Elul represent the twelve months of the year that is coming to a close (as discussed earlier, concerning Chai Elul). Therefore, the last of these twelve days, Erev Rosh Hashanah, in addition to its other qualities and responsibilities, specifically concerns the outgoing month of Elul.
24 Hours to Complete Our Year
Today is the last day of the month of Elul and the entire year. We should therefore be aware of the need to utilize the twenty four hours of this day to their absolute maximum, in order to conclude and complete every matter connected with the month of Elul, and thus the entire year.
Festive Meal
The Tur writes that on Erev Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish people “dress in white and enwrap in white” and hold a great feast – for they “rest secure that they will prevail in judgment.”
We should certainly do likewise (and hold a festive meal) this Erev Rosh Hashanah, whether during the preceding evening or at another time during the twenty four hours of Erev Rosh Hashanah.
Spend Time with Your Wife
Close to the commencement of Rosh Hashanah, the Chabad Rebbes would spend some time speaking with their wives. Since this custom has been revealed and publicized to us, after having been kept confidential for a long time, it is therefore to be taken as an instruction for every one of us.
Shalom Bayis
Since the quality of the Jewish woman is emphasized on Rosh Hashanah ... this is a directive for every person. The implication of this instruction is the great extent to which Shalom Bayis, domestic harmony, is important and imperative. If they did it... It is so very fundamental and easy to appreciate the immense value and quality that each moment in time held for the Rebbes – certainly on Erev Rosh Hashanah... Yet nonetheless, they would take the time to talk with their Rebbitzens...
Cosmic Harmony
This practice assumes additional significance in light of the broadest sense of ‘Shalom Bayis,’ which includes “peace in the supernal retinue and the terrestrial retinue” [and between Hashem and the Jewish people].
There are many further significant links, among them: Sarah, Rochel and Chana were “remembered” regarding having children on the day of Rosh Hashanah; the birth of Rivkah is specifically mentioned in the second day’s Torah reading; Yitzchak’s stature (as seen in the Torah reading) was the result of his mother Sarah’s parenting; the Halachic sound of the Shofar is derived from the cries of a women (either Sarah or the mother of Sisrah – as explained in Avudraham).
