Rabbi Weinberg's Elul Thought for the Day

Sunday August 23

Today is the third day of Elul!  There are two strands of thinking in Rabbinic literature about the month of Elul. Some focus on its inherent value as “yemey ratzon,” “days of desire”:  It is the month in which, historically, Moshe ascended Har Sinai to receive the second luchot and build a stronger relationship with Hashem.  This makes Elul a month of auspicious tefilla and closeness to Hashem forevermore.  Others focus on its value as a month of preparation for “the big days,” for the Yamim Noraim.  How do you relate to Elul?  How might each of these approaches shape the way you spend these important days!?