During the month of Elul, there are a number of different practices undertaken in preparation for the Days of Awe.
Sefardim begin waking early to say the Selichos prayers, though Ashkenazim don’t begin them until shortly before Rosh Hashana.
We blow the Shofar each morning, and we add the recitation of Psalm 27, L’Dovid Hashem Ori, morning and evening. This psalm is chosen because it includes references to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Then there is another custom brought down by the Maharil and the Mateh Efrayim. It is customary for people writing letters to their friends during the month of Elul to add blessings to either the beginning or the end of the letter, wishing them to be inscribed for a good new year. (This applies to e-mails as well!)
This is done until Rosh Hashana, after which one can wish them to be sealed for a good year, and most agree this practice stops at Yom Kippur.
It is interesting to consider that while most of these customs inspire us to repent, this one seems to recall the importance of wishing others well, and of blessing them.
It reminds us that our judgment on Rosh Hashana is not solely based on our relationship with Hashem, but on how we relate to others, as well.
