Ask the Rabbi
The significance of the month of Elul
...To conclude with a brief [mention] of matters concerning the present season — according to what I said at the farbrengen last Shabbos, Shabbos Mevarchim Elul — [regarding the four phrases] whose first letters form an acronym for the name Elul, as cited in the writings of the AriZal and in texts of Mussar:
In general, this month is a month of stocktaking and preparation for teshuvah, [centering on] Divine service of or chozer, from below upward. [This is intimated] by the verse: “Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li — I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine.” This [is expressed through] the particular dimensions of Divine service in the three vectors [of Torah observance]: giving a coin to charity and then praying; then “proceeding from the synagogue to the house of study.” [These three paths of service are alluded to by the verses:]
a) “Ish Lerei'eihu V'matanos L'evyonim — [sending portions of food from] a person to his friend, and presents to the poor.”
([This represents] the vector of gemilus chassadim which includes deeds of kindness that are also performed for the wealthy, and tzedakah, [given only to the poor,]which is on a lesser rung than deeds of kindness and follows it).
b) “Es Levavecha V'es Leivav — [G-d...will circumcise] your heart and the heart of [your descendants]”
this refers to “Divine service within one's heart — prayer.” The order is first to “correct yourself” — “your heart” — and then [focus on] “the heart of [your descendants].”
c) “Ina L'yado V'samti Lach — [G-d] caused it to happen through his hand. I will provide for you a place,”
[which refers to the establishment of Cities of Refuge and can be understood as a reference to Torah study;] (for “the words of Torah serve as a refuge” — Makkos 10a — for every sinner is “one who slays the soul” — the spiritual man — but does so “inadvertently.” For “a person will not sin unless a spirit of folly enters him.” The above constitutes true teshuvah, which is identified with Torah study, as stated in [Tanya,] ch. 8.) One can elaborate on all the above, but this is not the appropriate place.
With wishes for everlasting good in all matters and with greetings to all those who seek our welfare,
