Chapter 1: The Month of Elul-Shaar Hachassidus

“During the month of Elul, the main service is the accepting of the yoke of Heaven which entails an arousal of fear of G-d.” ^[1]

1. The Theme of the Month

A. Soul Searching:^[2]

The month of Elul is the month of introspection. In business every man has a set time in the year when he makes an accounting of his business; assessing losses and gains. Similarly, regarding one’s spiritual service to G-d, Elul is the month of one’s accounting. Throughout the year a Jew is involved in Torah, Mitzvos and good deeds. When the month of Elul arrives every Jew, whether a Jew who involves his day in learning Torah [i.e. Yosheiv Ohel] or a Jew that is involved in working to make a living [Baal Eisek], must make a Cheshbon Hanefesh [accounting of the soul] of his previous year’s accomplishments, achievements, deficiencies and mistakes, in reference to spiritual matters of Torah, Mitzvos, and good character traits. He must recognize his good points and resolve to strengthen them. He is to acknowledge his bad points and fix them. Through this good preparation one merits a good sweet year both physically and spiritually.

 

B. Ir Miklat-A month that is a “City of Refuge”:^[3]

The month of Elul is a month when Hashem gives every single Jew, no matter his spiritual state, thirty days to return to Him and begin a new page in his relationship with Him. One has a chance to erase any trace of sin through repentance. This concept of Elul is hinted to in one of the acronyms of the Hebrew word Elul, “Ina Liyado Visamti Licha”. This is a verse discussing the cities of refuge that Hashem commanded us to build for inadvertent murderers to seek refuge from the Goel Hadom.^[4] Similarly the month of Elul is a ‘city of refuge’ for those who committed a sin. It is a time they can seek refuge from the evil inclination who is also the heavenly prosecutor. This matter is to be publicized to all: Hashem is telling the Jewish people “I give you 29/30 days to remove yourselves from your bad habits and flee into the theme of Elul. In this month you can affix all that was improper until today and consequently the month will serve as a city of protection from the prosecutor.”

C. Ani Ledodi-The Avoda of the Month:^[5]

Another acronym of Elul is ‘Ani Lidodi Vidodi Li’. This simply means ‘I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me’. This saying represents the service of Elul; to perform actions that show ones love and nullification towards G-d. Unlike other times of the year when there may be an arousal from above, from Hashem, to motivate us to serve Him properly, the month of Elul is the month of our Avoda. It is the time that we have to take the offensive position in the building of our relationship with Hashem, without relying on outside factors.

D. Revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy:^[6]

During the month of Elul there is a revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy.^[7] The reason for this revelation specifically in the month of Elul is because it is part of the 40 days that Moshe ascended to receive the second Tablets, and these second tablets, which were given on Yom Kippur, represent the forgiveness and acquittal of the Jews from sin. This revelation in the month of Elul assists a Jew in repenting and doing his Avoda of Elul. This is the difference between the revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy in Elul and during the rest of the year, as during the rest of the year the mercy is only revealed in regards to one’s physical life, while in the month of Elul it is revealed for the benefit of one’s soul.

 

E. King in the field-The Avoda of Kabalas Ol:

To truly take advantage of this revelation one must first perform the above-mentioned service of Elul. This is like the parable of a King who although during the rest of the year sits in the inner chambers of his palace, for one month of the year he goes out into the fields of the villages to greet all of his subjects from the lowest to the most dignified. However just like in the parable the people must leave their houses to go to the field and greet the King, so too in the month of Elul one must ‘leave his house and go out into the field’. Going out in the fields in the parable represents the people accepting the yoke of Heaven [Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim], showing that they truly feel his power and awesomeness and therefore they go out to greet him. Similarly, with man’s service of G-d he must show his acceptance of Him as King, as G-d. During the month of Elul, the main service is accepting the yoke of heaven which in is the beginning and main aspect of Teshuvah.^[8] 

 

F. Kabalas Ol:

How does one show or express his acceptance of Hashem as G-d and King? Is it just plainly by stating “I hereby believe in G-d’s existence and that He rules over the world” or does it demand something more practical, something in the realm of action? Logically speaking, both are demanded in fully accepting Hashem as our King. As showing one’s acceptance of a King also means that one accepts his decrees. If one were to only express in speech that he accepts the King but when it comes to following His orders, he disobeys the king, this is an obvious sign that his acceptance was never true to begin with. Similarly expressing Hashem’s existence and sovereignty through simple belief without any action does not fully show our acceptance of Him as our King. It is specifically when we go out of our way to do an action that G-d asks of us that shows we truly accept his Kingship, that his sovereignty has penetrated us to the point that we are willing to give up some of our time and life to do His will. Practically speaking in this month, it is upon each person to ponder which areas are in need of spiritual improvement. For one person it may be accepting upon himself a new Mitzvah such as putting on Tefillin for men or lighting Shabbos candles for women. For another it may be setting aside extra time for Torah study or making practical changes in one’s character traits. Whatever it is, a change is demanded of each one of us, since it is this change which fully expresses that we have accepted G-d’s sovereignty His Kingship and His commands. When one fulfills this he can then fully receive the revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy which leads to complete repentance and vindication of all sin.

 

G. Before and After-The effect of Chassidus on the month of Elul:^[9]

The Rebbe Rayatz states as follows: The Baal Shem Tov opened the gates of Penimiyus Hatorah. The Alter Rebbe opened the gates of Chabad. Both together revived the month of Elul. In the past when the month of Elul arrived everyone would fall into a state of gloom and sadness [Mara Shechora]. Everyone would enter into their own cloud. The Alter Rebbe brought into Elul an inner vitality which chased away the atmosphere of gloominess [Makifei Hatzvus] and entered into it inner bitterness [Merirus Penimis]. When Elul arrives, one must be more G-d fearing. Thus, the superficial people would suddenly become melancholy and call themselves a Rasha in order to put themselves down. Consequently, a depressed spirit resided on people throughout the month of Elul. However, the Baal Shem Tov and Alter Rebbe chased away the gloominess and contaminated spirit of depression and brought the Jews to a realization that even a Tzaddik must do Teshuvah.

 

H. The town of Lubavitch during Elul:^[10]

The following is a description of the Rebbe Rayatz on Chodesh Elul in Lubavitch: “Every Jew became calmer, more contemplative in his thoughts, and forgetful of his material matters. Every day of the month of Elul is different than the days of the rest of the year. When one arises in bed at 6:00 in the morning he hears that the Minyan of Vasikin has already finished the prayers and is blowing Shofar and he asks himself “why did I sleep so much”. The sound of the Shofar awakens. It announces that Elul has arrived. It arouses one to dress quickly and not be satisfied with himself. He thinks of the great auspiciousness of the month and how he must be a proper Jew and cannot waste his time.”

I. Every day of Elul is Mitaken that date of every month of the previous year:^[11]

Each day of the month of Elul effects that date of the month of every month of the past year. It likewise effects every day of the month of the coming year. [Thus, for example the 1^st of Elul effects the 1^st of the month of each month of the previous year and of the coming year.]

J. Learning Torah:^[12]

In addition to the above service of Elul as a preparation for Rosh Hashanah, there is another service of Elul which is unique to its own month and that is the learning of Torah. In Elul Moshe ascended to receive the second Luchos which represent the giving of the Torah. Thus, one must excel in his Torah learning in the month of Elul. Nevertheless, this Avoda is only secondary to the Avoda of Teshuvah, as the Avoda of Teshuvah serves as a preparation for the entire coming year.

K. Adding in Chassidus and Avodas Hatefila:^[13]

The Rebbe Rayatz informed the Yeshiva students that they are to establish a special time for learning Chassidus during this month. They should learn in groups of two or three students and review the same Mamar several times. The Mamarim learned are to involve matters of Avoda.^[14] The students are to be allotted more time for prayer in order to pray with depth and concentration.^[15]

 

L. The Mamarim to be learned in Elul:^[16]

1. Derech Chaim^[17]
2. Shaareiy Teshuvah
3. Shaareiy Tefilah
4. Likkutei Torah
5. Ateres Rosh
6. Igeres Hateshuvah^[18]

M. Cheshbon Nefesh:^[19]

The Rebbe Rayatz states that the learning of Chassidus is not the main Avodah of the month of Elul but rather the main Avoda of the month is the Avodah of Cheshbon Nefesh which is to be done prior to the bedtime Shema, and prior to the morning prayer.

 

N. The Avodah of Elul from a letter of the Rebbe Rayatz:^[20]

• “The month of Elul is the month of mercy in which the Thirteen Attributes of Divine Mercy shine forth.”
• “This is the month of compassion, in which the Gates of Mercy are opened to all those who desire to draw near to sanctity, to serve G-d through repentance, prayer and Torah study.
• “This is the last month of the year that is ending, and passing from the present to the past. It is a month of spiritual stock taking during which one contemplates how one has spent the past year, utterly regretting whatever has been undesirable, and resolving to be vigilant in the meticulous observance of the commandments, to be conscientious in one’s Torah study and in one’s prayers, and to habituate oneself to positive character traits.”
• “This is a month of preparation for the new year. May it bring us and all of Israel goodness and blessing, materially and spiritually.”

Traveling to the Rebbe:[21] It is accustomed amongst Chassidim to travel to their Rebbe for Rosh Hashanah. The Rebbe Rashab once stated[22] “How is it that a Jew is not in Lubavitch for Rosh Hashanah. Where is he going to be?

The acronyms of Elul In general there are five acronyms given for the month of Elul each corresponding to a different Divine service of the month. It covers the service of Torah; Tefila; Tzedaka; Teshuvah and Geula. A further two acronyms have been brought from other sources.   אלול 1.       אנה לידו ושמתי לך 2.       אני לדודי ודודי לי 3.       איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים 4.       את לבבך ואת לבב 5.       אשירה להשם ויאמרו לאמר 6.       אוי לרשע ואוי לשכינו 7.       ארון לוחות ושברי לוחות   1. “Ina Leyado Vesamti Lach”: This acronym is brought by the Arizal.[23] It represents that Elul is an auspicious time for ones repentance to be accepted for all previous sins done during the year. It also represents that one must repent even for inadvertent sins.[24] It also corresponds to Torah learning, that in the month of Elul one must strengthen in Torah learning.[25]   2. “Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li”:[26] This acronym is brought by the Abudarham. It represents the service of prayer[27] as prayer attaches a Jew to G-d.[28] It represents the need of a Jew to arouse his own Divine service, his own inner love and fear for G-d.[29] 3. “Ish Lereieihu Umatanos Laevyonim”:[30] This acronym is brought by the Amrakel. It represents the service of Gemilus Chasadim and the giving of Tzedaka. 4. “Umal Hashem Elokecha Es Levavcha Vies Levav Zarecha:[31] This acronym represents the service of Teshuvah. 5. “Ashira Lahashem Vayomru Leimor”:[32] This acronym represents the Geula as the Shira sang by the sea had reference to the resurrection. This acronym is a hint towards the purpose of our Avoda. It also includes an Avoda of serving Hashem with the absolute faith in Moshiach’s arrival, and in a way of tranquility, as will occur in the times of the redemption. 6. “Oiy Lirasha Veoiy Leshcheino”:[33] This acronym is brought by the Migaleh Amukos. It represents the service of Teshuvah, the breaking of the heart which is expressed with the woe “Oiy”. This service refines the negativity in the month of Av which is a neighbor of Elul.   7. “Aron Luchos Veshivrei Luchos”:[34] This acronym is brought by the Migaleh Amukos. It represents the service of Teshuvah, as the broken Luchos represent the Avoda of Teshuvah. The breaking of the Luchos represent the advantage of a Baal Teshuvah over Tzaddikim.

 

2. The Chassidic Discourse of “Ani Lidodi”[35]

A. Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li:

Its connection to Elul: The Abudarham writes that the above verse is the acronym for the word אלול, thus teaching us that the meaning behind this verse is the message of the month.

Its meaning: The term אני לדודי means that one is performing his Divine service to become closer to G-D. This is done by one arousing inner love and fear for G-d. This form of service is an אתערותא דלתתא [arousal from below] and is the Divine service required in Elul. The term ודודי לי refers to an אתערותא דלעילא, an arousal from above, from G-D, to draw down and reveal G-dliness below. This revelation takes place on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Thus, Elul is the aspect of אני לדודי while Rosh Hashanah is the aspect of ודודי לי.

The revelation on Rosh Hashanah: On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur there is a revelation of G-d’s Kingship [מלכותו יתברך] which penetrates into a person [love and] fear of G-d for the entire year, and thus affects him to accept the yoke of Heaven. [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, rather it must be originally drawn into ones heart on Rosh Hashanah and commensurate to that revelation is one’s ability to arouse his love and fear of G-d throughout the year.

The preparation in Elul: Ones service of G-d in Elul is a preparation for drawing down this love and fear in Tishrei, which is drawn for one’s entire year. Thus the  אתערותא דלעילא in Tishrei is commensurate to ones אתערותא דלתתא  done in Elul.

B. The revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy:

Its connection to the month of Elul: It says in Mishnas Chassidim and Peri Eitz Chaim that in the month of Elul G-D reveals His thirteen attributes of mercy.

Gives one potential to do service needed in Elul: Although the month of Elul, as explained above, is emphasizing the service of man towards G-D, which then elicits a revelation from above in the month of Tishrei, nevertheless being that every service done below (אתעדל”ת) must have its potential elicited from above (אתעדל”ע), therefore in this month G-D reveals His thirteen attributes of mercy towards man in order to give him the potential to do his service of the month. Thus, even those people which are in a very distanced state from spirituality and G-D, now are given the potential to make amends of their wrongdoing and reunite with G-D.

Represents a loving unity with G-d: The thirteen attributes of mercy represent not only a revelation of G-d’s will to forgive even the most severe sins, but mainly a revelation of the most internal level of His radiance termed פנמיות אא”ס. This radiance is represented by the first of the 13 attributes, the name א-ל. So too each and every Jew also has an aspect of שם א-ל within him, this being his G-dly spark which enlivens his G-dly soul. This is the reason that we are called י-שר-א-ל, as the name represents that our level of א-ל is constantly within us and retains its holiness even after its been descended by man into impurity due to his sins. Thus, by one revealing his level of א-ל in the month of Elul he effects a unity of his most inner self with the highest level of G-dliness.

C. The Parable of the “King In The Field”:

The above-mentioned points regarding the month of Elul and its effect on the revelations of the month of Tishrei is explained by a parable. When a king sits at his throne only a very select few may enter into his inner chambers and bask in the king’s presence. However, when the king decides to descend from his throne and visit the fields of his kingdom, every man and woman is then given the chance to greet the king despite them being common folk. All that is required of them to do is to leave their city and enter the field to greet the king. The king then shows his subjects פנים מאירות ופנים שוחקות [a shining face], and when he returns to his throne all those which came to greet him are given permission to follow. This parable is an exact analysis of the events of the month of Elul and of Tishrei.  

The following points can be learnt from the parable:

1. The King Descends to the field-A revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy: In Elul G-d reveals His thirteen attributes of mercy to all. This corresponds to the King descending from his throne and giving ability to all his subjects to greet him. Just like when in the field the king does not come with all of his external glory and majesty but rather in a simplistic way, which does not arouse awe and trepidation towards his subjects but rather only gives his subjects the ability to come greet him, so too this revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy does not arouse one to fear or accept G-d’s Kingship, and rather it simply gives him the potential and will to accept it. Thus this part of the parable explains that despite their being a great revelation in Elul it is still termed a month of אתדל”ת, of man’s service of G-d, as this revelation does not arouse him to do the service and thus the arousal must be done by man’s own initiative.
2. Going out to the field-Kabalas Ol:^[36] Going out in the fields in the parable represents the people accepting the yoke of Kingship [Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim], showing that they truly feel his power and awesomeness and therefore they go out to greet him. Similarly, during the month of Elul the main service is the accepting the yoke of heaven which in is the beginning and main aspect of Teshuvah.^[37]
3. Why the month of Elul is not a Holiday: The parable answers two potential questions regarding the revelation of the month of Elul. If Elul has the revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy, then why is it that it is not termed a holiday which is forbidden in doing mundane matters like is the case with other holidays which have an even lower revelation of G-dliness? Furthermore, on Yom Kippur there is also a revelation of the thirteen attributes of mercy, so what is the difference between Elul and Yom Kippur? The above is answered by the parables statement that the king is entering into the field. Meaning the king is descending to the level of his people, even towards those of a lower occupation such as those who work in the fields. This represents that in Elul G-d reveals His thirteen attributes of mercy to all, even to those who are involved in the mundane aspects of the world. It is for this reason that Elul remains a typical month that is allowed in mundane activity, and is not a holiday which forbids work, as this is the exact emphasis of the revelation. Furthermore, there is an advantage in the “work of the field” over even those that are occupied in constant Torah learning, as through using the matters of the physical world to serve G-d and see the providence and light of G-d in all one’s mundane activities he elevates those matters towards G-d thus fulfilling the Divine purpose of creation which was to make an abode for G-d within the physical world. It is also understood the difference between Yom Kippur and Elul, as by Elul the thirteen attributes descends towards our level, while by Yom Kippur we are elevated to its level, as is seen from fact that we try to emulate angels and refrain from all physical acts such as eating and drinking etc.
4. Once greeted the King then shows his subjects a shining countenance-An arousal of delight for G-dliness and desire to cleave to Him: Once one has done his service of acceptance of G-d as his King and Lord he then receives the full revelation of the 13 attributes of mercy which, as already explained above, is an arousal of one’s most inner level of his G-dly soul. This arouses one to have a strong desire to cleave to G-d and thus repent any wrongdoing from the most inner depths of his soul.

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[1] Sefer Hamamarim Melukat-Elul p. 224 [Mamar Parshas Shoftim 1972]

[2] Hayom Yom 27^th Menachem Av

[3] Likkutei Sichos 2 p. 307 [Hebrew]; Toras Menachem 3 p. 285

[4] This refers to the relative of the murder victim who has permission to kill the murderer unless the murderer is found in the city of refuge.

[5] Likkutei Torah Reah p. 32

[6] Likkutei Torah Reah p. 32-34

[7] Mishnes Chassidim Miseches Elul 1:43

[8] See Sefer Hamamarim Melukat-Elul p. 224 [Mamar Parshas Shoftim 1972]

[9] Likkutei Dibburim Likut 2 p. 49

[10] Likkutei Dibburim Vol 1 page 151-158

[11] Hisvadyos 1989 Vol 4 p. 236                                             

[12] Hisvadyos 1983 4 p. 1949 [Shaareiy Moadim-Elul 12]

[13] Igros Kodesh of Rebbe Rayatz 4:131

[14] Igros Kodesh 21:227

[15] Takanos of Rebbe Rayatz in Hakria Hakedosha Teves 1941

[16] Likkutei Sichos 2 p. 632

[17] Mentioned also in different letters of Rebbe.

[18] Mentioned in Igeres Hakodesh 11:432

[19] Takanos of Rebbe Rayatz for the Temimim, printed in Hakeriah Hakedosha Erev R”C Teves 1941

[20] Igros Kodesh Rebbe Rayatz 4:131, brought in English Sefer Haminhagim p. 100

[21] Otzer Minhagei Chabad Erev R”H 1; In the Siddur Mahrid of Liadi there is a Mamar printed “To understand the order of Divine service involved in Anash traveling to the Rebbe and their Hiskashrus to the Rebbe”

[22] Toras Shalom p. 188

[23] Peri Eitz Chaim Shaar Rosh Hashanah 1; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:1

[24] Kitzur SHU”A ibid

[25] Likkutei Sichos 2 p. 307; 24:177; Hisvadyos 1990 4 p. 281 footnote 78

The reason: As the words of Torah protect a person [Koltin] just like a city of refuge. [Makos 10a]

[26] Abudarham Seder Tefilas Rosh Hashanah chapter 1, brought in M”B 581 introduction.

[27] Kitzur SHU”A ibid

[28] See Likkutei Sichos 24:177; Or Hatorah Bireishis 30:8

[29] Likkutei Torah Re’e 32a

[30] Sefer Amrachel brought in Elya Raba 581; Arugas Bosem; Kitzur SHU”A ibid; See Likkutei Sichos 29:272

[31] Abudarham; Baal Haturim Dvarim 30:6; Bach 581; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:1; Brought in M”B 581 introduction; Likkutei Torah Riei 19

[32] Shulchan Aruch Harizal Elul; Hisvadyos 1986 4 p. 290; Likkutei Sichos 24:313

[33] Megaleh Amukos Eikev 55:1; See Shaar Hamoadim Elul 10 [p. 46]

[34] Megaleh Amukos 55:1; See Shaar Hamoadim Elul 11 [p. 47]

[35] Based on Likkutei Torah p. 32 and the explanations of the Rebbe on the discourse

[36] Sefer Hamamarim Melukat-Elul p. 224 [Mamar Parshas Shoftim1972]; Sefer Hamamarim 1940 p. 166

[37] Vetzrauch Iyun as above the Alter Rebbe says that the service of Elul is to arouse ones love and fear? One must thus conclude that although this is also required in Elul, the main Avoda of Elul is Kabalas Ol and fear of Heaven.