This year, the Hebrew month of Elul began the evening of Aug. 7. Elul is the month during which Jews prepare for the High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah (the Day of Judgment)) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
These two holidays, and the days in between, are collectively known as the “Days of Awe.” Why “awe?” It is because during these days, we are given the invaluable gift of being able to reflect upon and rectify the harm that we have done during the previous year.
If we truly repent from our heart–by confessing to God, making amends to our fellow human beings, and pledging sincerely to never repeat such harmful actions—our prayers for forgiveness will be heard and accepted by God. Such a possibility is truly awe-inspiring.
Imagine: At sundown on Sept, 4 (Rosh Hashanah), the Book of Life is opened. Whether or not my name will be written in it for the coming year is determined by my efforts during the next 10 days, before the Book closes again at sundown, Sept. 14 (the end of Yom Kippur).
Each of us is instructed to reach out during these 10 days to those we have harmed in the past year, and ask for forgiveness; if we are rejected, we must return and try again, two more times.
After this, the matter is between the ones we harmed and God—but at least we know that we have tried our utmost to reconcile.
Finding the inner strength and humility to undertake such a daunting task is very difficult. For most people, it is hard enough to admit, even to themselves, that they are wrong. How much harder it is, to admit it to someone else, three times.
Therefore, we use the month of Elul to prepare: by praying and studying our ancient and modern texts, hoping to receive the inspiration and sustenance to complete the task with integrity, and face the New Year—5774—with joy.