Elul

Rosh Hashanah preparations begin the previous month of Elul with shofar blowing every day except Shabbat. Shofars are blown as calls to repentance. During Elul each individual is expected to examine their behavior, think what needs to be done, ask for forgiveness from injured parties (including God—Ha’Shem), AND if possible make restitution. It is also expected when someone asks another for forgiveness, you should give it. Elul is traditionally considered to the time when Moses was interceding for the Israelites after the Golden Calf incident.

—Written by Keren Teyler.