The Arizal explains that there are seven gates which have been positioned in our body to stand judgment over our physical and spiritual well-being. These openings are our two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and our mouth. These apertures are very powerful sources that can either cause great harm or wonderful positive spiritual effects in the world. And therefore just like physical gates which we use to guard our cities, we need judges that make decisions as to what is right and wrong. In addition, there is a need for a responsible person to ensure that each decision and judgment is upheld.
These concepts apply to our spiritual gates as well which embrace many important choices in our lives: What we are permitted or forbidden to say; how we can improve our prayers to make them powerful and piercing; what we should be listening to; which odors are acceptable to smell and, of course, what we should allow our eyes to see and what should be avoided.
The Arizal’s words are a powerful introduction to Chodesh Elul which usually is very near to Parshat Shoftim. Elul is a very serious time, and many mussar sefarim inspire us to work hard to fulfill the mitzvah of Teshuva. However, there is a very important step which must be taken that precedes our efforts to “return.” We must ask ourselves ” Why should I care so much? Is it because I fear being punished and suffering for eternity?” While that way of thinking can certainly motivate a person and can have positive results, it obviously is not the ideal way to reflect.
We find the true significance in the word Elul which stands for Ani ledodi vedodi li. A dear talmid of mine, Shlomo Rosenfeld, told me a beautiful thought about this acronym. The Midrash says about the pasuk “Hashivienu Hashem elecha venashuva.” The Jewish people inform Hashem, “Look, we want to return to You but You make the first move.” Hashem, however, says the opposite: “Shuva Yisrael – you return first, Klal Yisrael.” The text doesn't seem to tell us who won the argument. Maybe Elul is the answer. We realize that we need to make the first step. Hashem shows us his love after Tisha B’av starting with Shabbas Nachamu. Then we in turn agree to take the first step. And this is the deeper message of Ani ledodi – I am to my beloved; I realize how important and worthwhile it is to take the first step. This interpretation gave me a better appreciation of the word Elul.
We should add that the goal of Elul – and essentially all of Judaism – is to get closer to Hashem and have a true relationship with Him. It is admirable to accept a subconscious idea that there is ‘Hashem,’ but it’s a whole different world when we work at this belief and take actions that reflect our deep desire to create this relationship. This idea connects perfectly to the seven conditions of Bitachon which are beautifully expanded on in the famous work of Chovos Halevavos and in Rav Avigdor Miller’s book on the Gates of Bitachon which is a must for every Jew working on his or her relationship with Hashem.
The more I think about it, the more I realize the extent to which the seven conditions play a major role in the process of Teshuva. The explanation is extensive and is too lengthy for this article, but we can discuss briefly the first and second of the seven conditions – Hashem loves us. Without accepting this premise, it is very difficult to step forward and do Teshuva. Who would want to ‘return’ to someone that doesn't really love them? The second condition is that Hashem listens to every word we say; He knows exactly what we need. Indeed, if I know that Hashem loves me, is paying attention to my actions and even looks forward to my prayers – then wow, that makes me want to return to Him.
These examples illustrate how vital the seven conditions are and will give you a good starting lift of inspiration to send you on your way to return to Hashem.
