2 Elul, 5737-1977, during an address to children, the Rebbe suggested that every child own a personal prayer book, with their Jewish name written on it, as well as their own charity box, which they should use daily. The Rebbe also asked that every boy who was present influence at least one other boy to begin wearing tzitzit, and every girl influence at least one other girl to begin lighting Shabbat candles.
1 Elul, 5748-1988, after the morning prayers were over in the Rebbe’s home, he went upstairs, but unexpectedly, he came back down a few minutes later in order to speak briefly. He spoke about the month of Elul and said to publicize the custom of checking mezuzot and tefillin during this month as well as the custom of wishing one another a good sweet year. This message was then published in various newspapers.