Elul is the last month before Rosh Hashana-Yom Kippur, and therefore is associated with "soul-accounting" and repentance
(see first two articles and the last).

Two articles are from classic Kabbalists (#2, #4); the rest (besides the story) are from contemporary Kabbalists

Next week: special Baal Shem Tov - Baal Tanya - Chai Elul issue.