A Shabbat Nugget: Rosh Chodesh Elul

This upcoming Saturday and Sunday are called Rosh Chodesh which means the head of the month.  The new month which is beginning is called Elul which is considered a very special month.

The Kabbalah teaches that in the month of Elul the thirteen attributes of G-d’s mercy shine into the world.  This revelation opens up the barriers of our heart and allows us to have an open and inner relationship with G-d.

The first Chabad Rebbe, Reb Shneur Zalman gives the following parable to describe the month of Elul.  When a king returns to his city from a trip abroad, all the people of his city go the fields in the outskirts of his city to greet him.  At this meeting, the King shows a joyous countenance and there are no barriers between him and his subjects.  Everyone is allowed to personally greet the King and he greets each person graciously and happily.  May we all have a joyous Elul and prepare ourselves for the upcoming New Year.