Elul

Hi,

Since we are now at the start of the month of Elul, we'll learn about some of the practices associated with this month.

Rosh Chodesh Elul is 40 days before Yom Kippur, and is considered the beginning of the season of Teshuvah (repentance). In part, this is because Moshe ascended Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) to receive the second set of tablets on Rosh Chodesh Elul, and those tablets were proof that Gd had forgiven the Jews for the Golden Calf.

Sephardic Jews rise during the night to recite Selichot this entire month; Ashkenazic Jews wait until closer to Rosh haShanah.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 581:1; Mishneh Berurah 581:introduction)

Have a great day,
Mordechai