In Aramaic, elul means search, which is appropriate since this is the month in which we are to diligently search our hearts in a time of intense spiritual preparation and drawing closer to the Lord.
It is a month set aside for earnest reflection and teshuvah (repentance, literally return) in order to prepare for Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe), the upcoming 10-day period also called the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh HaShanah
(The Feast of Trumpets) to Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
During that 10-day period, which began at sunset on September 4th in Israel, Jewish People ask God to forgive them for their sins and to write their names in the Book of Life for another year.
Because of this, Elul is a time of asking for forgiveness from others and from God.
"Take words with you and return [shuv] to the LORD. Say to Him: 'Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'" (Hosea 14:2)
During Elul, the Jewish People begin the process of asking for forgiveness of the wrongs done to one another.
According to Jewish tradition, we must first go to the person we have wronged asking for forgiveness before God can forgive us for the sins we committed against that person.
It is a month set aside for earnest reflection and teshuvah (repentance, literally return) in order to prepare for Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe), the upcoming 10-day period also called the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh HaShanah
(The Feast of Trumpets) to Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
During that 10-day period, which began at sunset on September 4th in Israel, Jewish People ask God to forgive them for their sins and to write their names in the Book of Life for another year.
Because of this, Elul is a time of asking for forgiveness from others and from God.
"Take words with you and return [shuv] to the LORD. Say to Him: 'Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'" (Hosea 14:2)
During Elul, the Jewish People begin the process of asking for forgiveness of the wrongs done to one another.
According to Jewish tradition, we must first go to the person we have wronged asking for forgiveness before God can forgive us for the sins we committed against that person.