This article is an excerpt from our Sefer

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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.[1] 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.[2] It also corresponds to Torah learning, that in the month of Elul one must strengthen in Torah learning.[3]

2. “Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li”:[4]

This acronym is brought by the Abudarham. It represents the service of prayer[5] as prayer attaches a Jew to G-d.[6] It represents the need of a Jew to arouse his own Divine service, his own inner love and fear for G-d.[7]

3. “Ish Lereieihu Umatanos Laevyonim”:[8]

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:[9]

This acronym represents the service of Teshuva.

5. “Ashira Lahashem Vayomru Leimor”:[10]

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”:[11]

This acronym is brought by the Migaleh Amukos. It represents the service of Teshuva, 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”:[12]

This acronym is brought by the Migaleh Amukos. It represents the service of Teshuva, as the broken Luchos represent the Avoda of Teshuvah. The breaking of the Luchos represent the advantage of a Baal Teshuvah over Tzaddikim.