Chodesh Elul
During this month, it is customary to increase in davening, learning, and giving tzedakah.
It is customary to check your tefillin and mezuzos, and to fix anything that may be lacking in any other mitzvah as well. This custom should be publicized wherever possible.
When writing a letter (or email) to another during this month (until Yom Kippur), it is customary to wish the recipient a kesivah vachasimah tovah. Similar wishes should also be expressed verbally.
“This month is chodesh harachamim, the month of mercy, when the gates of mercy are opened to all those who come close to serve Hashem with teshuvah, Torah, and prayer.” (Igros Kodesh of the Frierdiker Rebbe, vol. 4, p. 48)
“Chodesh Elul is a month of reflection. Just as a businessman must take stock of his business from time to time and fix whatever is lacking, we must similarly use this month to make a cheshbon hanefesh and reflect on what we have accomplished throughout the year, strengthening our maalos and rectifying the chisronos.” (Hayom Yom, 27 Menachem Av)
“During Chodesh Elul, Hashem can be compared to a king who, before entering the capital and palace, is greeted by the populace in the field. At that time, anyone can approach him, and he receives them all with a joyful countenance.” (Likkutei Torah, Devarim 32b)
