A WORD from the Director
This Shabbat we bless the month of Elul, with Rosh Chodesh being on Tuesday and Wednesday. In Elul we prepare for the upcoming High Holidays by blowing the shofar each morning, having our mezuzot and Tefillin checked to make sure they are still fit to be used, being more careful about keeping kosher and saying special selichot (penitential prayers) toward the end of the month.
Why do we do all of this in the month of Elul? Can't it wait until we're closer to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Most of us "work" better under pressure anyway! These questions can be explained by a beautiful parable:
Once each year, a very mighty king leaves his palace, his guards and his finery, and goes out into the field to meet with his subjects. In the field, the people can ask of the king anything they wish. They do not need to wait in long lines, go through security checks, or be announced ceremoniously. They can speak with him without hesitation. However, once the king returns to his palace, his subjects will once again have to go through all kinds of protocols to meet with him. So, of course, his subjects make the most of the opportunity.
During the month of Elul, G-d is "in the field." We don't need to go through all kinds of red tape to reach Him. We need only come out to meet Him, as it were, with a humble heart, and He will listen to us. He will accept our repentance and consider our requests most carefully.
The King will soon be in the field. Make sure not to miss this opportunity.
