Elul. The very name often causes shuddering and trembling as people think of the upcoming Yemei HaDin, the days of judgment and awe. While we are definitely enjoined to use the time during the month of Elul to prepare ourselves for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we may not have to do it with fear and fright.
The word Elul comes from a Babylonian word meaning harvest. How fitting, since we have a tradition that during this time, “The King is in the Field,” meaning Hashem is ultimately approachable. Boaz went to supervise the harvest, and Hashem, at the end of the year, does the same. He comes out to check on our progress and assist us.
Elul is an acronym for, “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li,” the verse from Shir haShirim describing the love of a couple, in this case being Hashem and His People, and can also be linked to the word “hilula,” commonly associated with the Yahrtzeits of tzaddikim, which are days of joy as their light shines on the world.
And, of course, the Gemara teaches that this world, “k’bei hilula damia, is like a wedding hall.” Elul is like that wedding hall where one should take advantage of the opportunities to eat and drink (referring to mitzvos which cannot be acquired in the next world.”
In Elul, don’t cower in fear; dance up a storm of joy as you find every opportunity to link arms with Hashem and then when Rosh Hashana comes, you’ll be proud to point and say, “That is the King! I know Him personally.”
