October Teaching – Elul

 

Midrash

Elul – a month to prepare

by Rabbi Carol Calise

We have entered the month of Elul and preparations are being made for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. This month is a month of introspection and repentance as we examine ourselves in the presence of Adonai. In Aramaic Elul means “to search”. This is appropriate since this month is a time of searching ourselves, our motives, our thoughts, our actions and our words.

The name of the month is also said to be an acronym. In Hebrew it is spelled אלול . This stands for the phrase “Ani l’dodee v’dodee lee.” “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Shir HaShirim – Song of Solomon 6.3) This verse and the whole book of Shir HaShirim is an allegory depicting the love relationship that Adonai so desire to have with each one of us. During this month He is calling to each one of us to come away with Him. He desires to speak the secret things of His heart to us and for us to enjoy His intimate fellowship.

Of course, on our own this is hard to achieve. So often other things overcome our desire to be with Adonai and our lives become compromised with sin (chet) – bad choices, thoughts, actions and words. The Good News is that Adonai has made a way for those things to be dealt with. He provided a once-for-all atonement through the Messiah Yeshua. When we embrace His means of atonement, it opens up the door to the most awesome, intimate relationship with the Creator of our souls. He truly delights over each one of us and His desire is for us to know Him and to be known by Him. As you begin your spiritual preparation this month, ask Adonai to reveal to you the truth of who Messiah is. Your life will never be the same. G-d is calling to you. Hear His voice and respond.


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