Special Baal Shem Tov - Baal Tanya - Chai Elul - Selichot issue.

Chai [18th of] Elul inaugurates the final 12 day
(one for each month of the Jewish year} countdown to Rosh Hashanah,
as well as being the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov (1698)
and of the Baal HaTanya (1745),
as well as the yahrzeit of the Maharal of Prague (1609).

This issue includes two articles of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings (#1-2)
plus, of course, a story (#7);
two of the Baal Tanya's teachings (#3-4) — both of which relate to the holiday season we are in,
as well as one about Ki Tavo, the weekly reading (#6).

On Saturday night Askenazic Jews start the distinctive pre-Rosh Hashanah Selichot/Forgiveness prayers — see 5th article
(Sephardim have been reciting them for three weeks already).

Next week will be a special Rosh Hashanah issue.