“I Am My Beloved’s”
The name “Elul” is an acronym for the phrase ani ledodi vedodi li—“I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.” In other words, the intense love between G-d and the Jewish people comes to the surface during Elul. This particular verse also indicates that during Elul, it is man who takes the initiative in his relationship with G-d. “I am my Beloved’s,” suggests an expression of love initiated by man, to which G-d responds.
The Alter Rebbe describes the tightening of the bond between G-d and the Jewish people in the month of Elul with the following parable: Before a king enters his city, its inhabitants go out to greet him and receive him in the field. At that time, anyone who so desires is granted permission [and can] approach him and greet him. He receives them all pleasantly, and shows a smiling countenance to all . . .
This parable appears to contradict the direction suggested by the phrase, “I am my Beloved’s,” for the parable seems to indicate that in Elul it is G-d that initiates the relationship. In contrast, the verse “I am my Beloved’s” indicates that the initiative is taken by man.
In chassidic thought, this difficulty is resolved by explaining that the revelation of the King in the field (which corresponds to the revelation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy in the month of Elul—an unlimited expression of Divine love) generates the potential for the initiative to be taken by man. The people of the field, ordinary men whose spiritual attainments are modest, would be incapable of turning to G-d with the inspired commitment expressed by the phrase, “I am my Beloved’s.”
Though the potential is initially granted from Above, the nurturing of the love relationship depends on man’s initiative. The revelation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy is merely a catalyst. In going out to the field, the King makes himself accessible to his people. It is the people, however, who turn to Him.
On Yom Kippur, the King is in his palace; G-d reveals Himself in all His majesty. During Elul, however, the King is in the field; G-d reveals Himself at a level which can be apprehended by man within the framework of his mundane reality.
In light of this, we can understand the importance of increasing our Torah study during Elul, for the revelation of the King’s presence is dependent on the study of the Torah.
Although the men of the field may be engaged in mundane activities for most of the day, the fixed times that they set aside for Torah study infuse their entire day with Torah. Thus, manifest G-dliness is drawn down into every aspect of their lives, even the day-to-day activities of “the field.”
Ultimately, G-d’s will is that He will be revealed “in the field”, that we recognize our world as His dwelling place.
Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Shoftim, 5750
