ELUL
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One of the fundamental teachings of the Days of Awe is repeated
several times in the High Holiday liturgy:
Repentance,
Prayer and Deeds of Righteousness Overcome the Evil Decree
As
Elul is the month preceding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is
considered a month of repentance and spiritual preparation. According
to tradition, several biblical verses hint at the centrality of
these desired behaviors, as their first letters form the acronym
ELUL.
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Repentance
Then
the Lord your God will open up (lit. circumcise) your heart and
the hearts of your offspring to love the Lord your God with all your
heart and soul, in order that you may live. (Deuteronomy 30:6)
Circumcision is symbolic of the covenant between God and the people
of Israel. In this verse, circumcision of the heart is envisioned as
preparation for living a fuller life. The weekly portion that includes
this verse is always read on the last Sabbath in Elul, shortly before
Rosh Hashanah.
Prayer
I am my
beloved's and my beloved is mine. (Song of Songs 6:3)
The most widely known acronym, this verse (often inscribed on decorative
wedding bands) is interpreted by the rabbis as an expression of the
subliminal and mutual love between God and the people of Israel. This
particular verse is suggestive of prayer, through which one communicates
with God.
Deeds
of Righteousness
The sending
of potions to one's friends and gifts to the needy (Book of Esther
9:22)
Although the original context of this verse relates specifically to
the celebration of the festival of Purim, it embodies a timeless lesson
in generosity and kindness in human relationships, and in the taking
of responsibility for the weaker members of society.
These
three elements together help
to "overcome the evil decree" -- leading thereby to redemption.
In Jewish tradition, the archetype of redemption is the Exodus from
Egypt. The exodus is celebrated with the singing of the Song at the
Sea, beginning with the verse:
Then Moses
and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. They said: I will sing
…. (Exodus 15:1)
ELUL
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