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Elul is the month of spiritual self examination regarding our actions of the
past year, when we repair, complete and improve our relation to G-d. Elul is
also the month of preparation for the coming year. Thus, it is an appropriate
time to contemplate a few points of introspection.
Elul is a microcosm of how a person is supposed to relate to G-d. This is
hinted at in its name, "Elul", an acronym for the four words of a verse, "Ani
l'dodi v'dodi li", meaning "I am for my Beloved and my
Beloved is for me" (Songs 6:3). The "I" of a Jew is supposed to be connected and
unified with the Holy One Blessed be He, with the result that G-d is his
Beloved.  | | " Only through our efforts can it be a true inner connection...." | | |
If a person is really connecting with G-d, this will manifest itself in two
ways. First and foremost, the Jew connects himself to G~d with love through
learning Torah and performing the commandments in a motivated way. Then, as a
result, energy is drawn from G-d to connect Him to the Jewish people.
This is the whole purpose of the world - for us to connect to G-d using our
own abilities to reach Him. Relating to G-d should not be in a way of "bread of
shame", that G-d does the work for us. This is what is meant by "I am for my
Beloved" - emphasizing the work on our part, that only through our efforts can
it be a true inner connection. And when first step is accomplished, then you
cause the latter part of the verse to happen, "...and my beloved is for me" - a
divine arousal from G-d back into the world.
This is reflected in the order of the High Holidays: first we make our
efforts during the month of Elul in the way of "I am for my Beloved". Only after
this month come the High Holidays, when G-d sends back to us the needed energy
for a good and sweet year, "...and my Beloved is for me" during the month of
Tishrei.
Shabbat Shalom, Shaul
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