By Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin From Chabad.org

By the Grace of G‑d
8 Elul, 5784

Dear Friend,

As the year (5784 on the Jewish calendar) nears its close, I’d like to share some resources with you to help you take full advantage of the spiritual potential of these final days of the year, and to prepare well for the High Holidays (only three weeks away!):

The amazing Jewish month we’re in:

We are in the month of Elul, which – despite being holiday-less – contains some of the loftiest days on our calendar. Like with so much else in Judaism, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, illuminates Elul’s powerful potential and translates those teachings into practical application for our daily lives.

One overarching theme in the Rebbe’s teachings about Elul is that G-d’s relationship to us this month is analogous to a benevolent “King who goes out to the Field” and radiates a loving, inviting countenance that encourages each of us to approach Him, no matter our past actions or feelings.

You can join as the Rebbe explains these lofty concepts to little children, and as he further illuminates the parable and its details here. (I found a peek at the Rebbe expressing this concept briefly in personal correspondence interesting as well.)

To learn more about this special month of Elul, I highly recommend these links:

This article explains the basics, while a large repository of law, insight, and inspiration can be found at Chabad.org/Elul.

Modern Jewish History
Fifty years ago at this time, when no one else anticipated the impending Yom Kippur war, the Rebbe urgently called for increased spiritual activity, and asked all Jewish children to recite special prayers and increase their acts of lovingkindness – as a form of protection for the Jewish people, particularly those in the Holy Land. Here’s a little “snapshot” of one component of these efforts, as it pertains to Elul — and as it surely pertains to all of us now, both in Israel and around the world!

“To the Sons and Daughters of Our People of Israel, Everywhere”
With these words, the Rebbe would begin his annual pre-holiday pastoral letters, revealing to all layers of spirituality, inspiration, and practical guidance. Here’s one about the enormous privilege and responsibility we each have, and more can be found here).

Get the inside scoop on the Book of Psalms
Throughout the month of Elul, and during the High Holidays, we echo King David’s heartfelt and divinely inspired pleas for divine mercy as expressed in the Book of Psalms (Tehillim). Here are 14 facts about Psalms.

Some quick Rosh Hashanah facts
Do you find it hard to remember when to serve the apples and honey and when to bring out the “new fruit”? Got other questions unique to this year? Get a head start with these handy Rosh Hashanah 2024 FAQs.

Discover the beauty of Tzedakah
Tzedakah, or charity (though it actually means “justice” or “righteousness”), is central to the month of Elul. In Jewish thought, giving to people in need is not considered something noble or extra. It’s an ordinary and integral part of our daily lives; the just and proper way to live. Learn more from our film about the power of Tzedakah.

(Now is probably a good time to mention that tzedakah contributions to Chabad.org will be put to good use to share the blessings of Jewish wisdom and practice worldwide! We’ll also be starting our annual High Holiday drive real soon.)

Perplexed about G-d?
As we prepare to beseech G-d on the anniversary of our creation, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman addresses the age-old question: If G-d created everything, then who created Him? See Tzvi’s philosophical tour de force, Who Created G-d?

(How) Should We Commemorate a Simchat Torah Massacre?
Warning: Prepare to be provoked. The Jewish anniversary of 10/7 is Simchat Torah. Do we cry? Do we dance? In recent weeks this article has garnered much discussion.

Test your knowledge!
How familiar are you with the High Holidays, their meaning, and how to observe them? Chances are you know even more (or less…?) than you think. Sharpen your knowledge by taking this High Holidays Quiz.

Ask the Rabbi
Throughout the year, day and night, our dedicated rabbis and counselors on our “Ask the Rabbi” team help people from all over the world who seek advice, information, assistance, or even just a friendly listening ear. Is there anything we can do for you? Connect with our Ask the Rabbi team here.

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There’s much more…!
Of course, Chabad.org has many thousands more pages expounding upon the month of Elul and the High Holidays, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them to enhance your own High Holidays preparations.
(I’d love to hear which teachings were most helpful for you!)

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On behalf of Chabad.org’s countless beneficiaries — and my selfless colleagues whose lives are reflected in it — I thank you immensely for all that you do to make it a reality.

May G‑d bless you and yours to experience a meaningful month of Elul, and to be inscribed and sealed for a year filled with the very best of life — with goodness and sweetness, in good health and boundless joy!

And may He bless all of us to experience good news from the Holy Land — starting with the security of all its citizens, safety and success for its self-sacrificing protectors, and the safe return of the surviving hostages brutally torn from us — and may our entire world experience true peace and redemption! 

Sincerely,

Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin
Executive Director

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