Holy Days

Holy Days Archives

CHAI ELUL The eighteenth day of the month of Elul [this year: August 30], 12 days before Rosh HaShanah, marks the 302th year since the birthday of the Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the revealer of the Chassidic movement -on the same date!-in 1734. It presents a precious opportunity to inculcate into our lives his main teachings and his essence. To start, here are three of the principles that he made famous: u Respect and care for every single Jew, u Be conscious that everything that happens is for a reason in G-d's overall plan, and u Study and spread the inner teachings of Torah-Kabbalah/Chassidut-in order to prepare the arrival of Moshiach and the final redemption. As Elul is quickly coming to close, so is the year. Let's make best use of what remains of this special time for spiritual self-evaluation. There is a tradition among Chassidim that the 18th, the chai or "life-force," of Elul starts a final count-down to Rosh Hashanah. It is taught that each of the last 12 days of Elul (Elul 18-29; Sept. 6-17) correspond to the 12 months of the ending year. The 18th corresponds to the past Tishrei, the month of the high holidays; the 19th to Cheshvon; the 20th to the month of Kislev including Chanukah etc.; until the eve of Rosh Hashanah which is for Elul. On each of these consecutive days, we look into our 'account books,' checking to see if we served G-d to our maximum during the corresponding month, and how we need to improve in the future. Doing so is an excellent technique to properly prepare ourselves for the High Holidays.

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