The effect of our Avoda in Elul-The revelation of Kingship on Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur:
On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, there is a revelation of G-dliness that is drawn down into the lower worlds, as stated in the verse, Semolo Tachas Leroshi. From Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippur, we experience the level of Semolo, which is a fear and awe of G-d that is aroused due to the revelation of His Kingship. It is for this reason that we refer to Hashem as the King during this time, as this is when all the worlds feel His Kingship and are aroused in fear to the point that even the hidden worlds that experience great closeness to G-d are taken aback with awe and trepidation. This revelation of His Kingship also affects the Jewish soul below to accept Hashem’s Kingship and sovereignty [Kabbalas Ol Malchus Shamayim] and leaves a lasting fear and awe of Hashem throughout the entire year.
Our love and fear of the entire year is dependent on Rosh Hashanah: The reason why this revelation of fear is needed, and it’s not enough for a person to arouse it on his own, is because the love and fear of G-d that one has throughout the year cannot be aroused solely through one’s own efforts as it does not exist on its own in one’s heart. Rather, it must be originally drawn into one’s heart on Rosh Hashanah from the ray of G-dliness that is revealed at that time, and commensurate to that revelation is one’s ability to arouse his love and fear of G-d throughout the year.