Fwd: Mr. Chroman, begin the journey: Elul traditions and preparations

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin <director@chabad.org>
Date: Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 7:38 AM
Subject: Mr. Chroman, begin the journey: Elul traditions and preparations
To: agentemes4@gmail.com <agentemes4@gmail.com>

Embrace the spirit of the month, Elul, as we prepare for a meaningful Rosh Hashanah and beyond.

By the Grace of G‑d Elul 1, 5784 Rosh Chodesh Elul While we recently turned the page on our calendars from August to September, we also turn the page on the Jewish calendar, starting the beautiful month of Elul, when we prepare for the spiritually-rich month of Tishrei, which contains the soul-cleansing High Holidays and joyous Sukkot. Even though the High Holidays are a full month away (the first night of Rosh Hashanah is on Oct. 2), the sweet feeling of the season is already in the air. Here are some ways in which we prepare: Toward the conclusion of our morning and afternoon (or evening) prayers, we recite Psalm 27, which speaks of our closeness to G-d. Each morning (except, of course, Shabbat), we sound the shofar, awakening our souls. Sephardim arise each morning for Selichot services, with Ashkenazim doing the same in the final week of this month. During this month it is customary to have our mezuzahs and tefillin checked for any imperfections that may have crept in over the past year. We give additional charity, with our kindness precipitating a similar response from On High. The Chassidic master Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi likens the month of Elul to a time when "the king is in the field" and, in contrast to when he is in the royal palace, "everyone who so desires is permitted to meet him, and he receives them all with a cheerful countenance and shows a smiling face to them all." The month of Elul, therefore, is an opportune time to approach and beseech G-d for mercy and for a good and sweet new year. Click here to watch a video of the Rebbe addressing a gathering of children about this unique aspect of this special month. Here are some of the most useful and oft-requested links on Chabad.org that people are looking for at this time of year: Psalm 27 The acclaimed Rosh Hashanah Cookbook Rosh Hashanah 2024 FAQ I would also like to share that this year, the two days of Rosh Hashanah lead right into Shabbat, creating a "three-day holiday," which are three consecutive days of holiness. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, often remarked on such occasions that when the first day after Rosh Hashanah is Shabbat, it signifies a special opportunity for the upcoming year to be imbued with an additional dose of holiness and peace because of the power that three consecutive days of holiness generate. Additionally, this means that we must prepare whatever we need for three days before Rosh Hashanah and make an eruv tavshilin, which allows certain preparations to be made on Friday for Shabbat. Click here to learn about this ritual. One last thing: You may know that this is one of those times of year, when we turn to you, a dear friend of Chabad.org, and ask for the crucial support we need to keep on sharing Jewish guidance and inspiration with the world. You should be receiving emails about this in a week or two, but if you know you want to give already, there is no reason to wait. You can click here to donate at your convenience. In the meantime, please know that our team is hard at work preparing our systems, creating new content, and getting ready for the busy season ahead. Please know that we're here for you, and I'd like to invite you to reach out if there is anything we can do to help you prepare for the awesome days that are coming. Wishing you a deeply uplifting Elul experience, Sincerely, Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin Executive Director This email was sent to agentemes4@gmail.com. You indicated that you'd like to receive periodic updates from Chabad.org. If you would prefer not to receive any emails about the upcoming High Holiday campaign, please go here to tell us. If your email address is changing, please send us your new email address here. To be removed from all Chabad.org emails, go here. Every day, millions of people around the world depend on Chabad.org for teachings, inspiration, and life tools. Please donate here to support our work. Our mailing address is: Chabad.org · 770 Eastern Parkway Suite 405 · Brooklyn, NY 11213