With summer coming to a close and fall fast approaching, we are reminded of the significant Feast Days of the Lord: Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, as outlined in Leviticus 23. These days are rich with prophecy and fulfillment, just like the spring Feast Days, and it’s crucial not to miss out on the deep meaning they offer.

So, let’s begin by asking ourselves: What should we be searching our hearts for? The answer is simple—sin. Yes, let’s be honest with ourselves—sin. All forms of inner turmoil or “dis-ease” are signs that our hearts are out of alignment. Consider this: stress can cause physical symptoms like stomach pain, muscle tension, and headaches (dis-ease leads to disease); similarly, emotions like anger, lust, and bitterness can eat away at us from the inside. Therefore, I welcome the month of Elul as a sacred time to reflect inward. If my physical or emotional struggles stem from a misaligned heart, then addressing that dis-ease could be the key to my healing.

The month of Elul comes with various traditions—though they are not commandments from the Most High God, they serve as valuable reminders for us to observe and remember.

These traditions, which have developed throughout different periods of Jewish history, are incredibly relevant to the times we live in today. For example, Judah Loew ben Bezalel, also known as Maharal of Prague (1525–1609), once said, “All the month of Elul, before eating and sleeping, a person should examine their soul and review their actions, so they may confess.” What was essential in the 15th century remains vital for us in this century as well.

Another tradition involves sounding the shofar throughout the month of Elul. This practice is mentioned in an eighth-century midrash, Pirkei Derebbi Eliezer, which connects it to the time when Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the second set of tablets. Through Moses’ intercession, God chose not to destroy Israel despite the incident with the golden calf. As a result, the shofar is traditionally blown each evening during Elul.

Perhaps the most well-known tradition is the acronym for Elul — “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.” This beautiful phrase comes from the Song of Songs (6:3), and in Hebrew, it reads: “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li.” The midrash interprets the Song of Songs as symbolizing the relationship between Israel and God. It is an intimate connection between two lovers, and the entire month is dedicated to reconciling ourselves with our Creator, deepening our relationship with Him.

So now is the time, dear friends and family, to dig deeper—perhaps deeper than we’ve ever gone before—to release the issues we cling to that justify our behavior. Our lives, our freedoms, and our very existence are at stake—we see evidence of this every day. Maybe it’s not just me who feels this way, as I receive questions from people around the world asking, “What is happening?” My response, both to them and to myself, is this:

Judgment is coming, and HIS will shall be done!

I urge each and every one of you to during this month of Elul to deepen your relationship with your Beloved—with God. I know I will be doing the same.

If you have any questions, please leave a message below, and I’ll be sure to answer!