1) It is well known the mnemonic of the word ELUL as Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li, usually translated as I am to my friend (Hashem) and my friend is to me. This is supposed to inspire the person to repent during the days of Elul, so that he will receive a complete forgiveness on Rosh Hashanah. However, if we look at the words closely, we can also see in them a hint as to who should initiate the repentance. There is the age old argument between the Bnay Yisroel and Hashem. The Jews say, Return us Hashem and we will return, while Hashem says Return Yisroel to Hashem, and it is not defined who should start with the repentance process.
However from the above mnemonic we can see clearly, that we must first start by declaring, Ani L’Dodi. First we have to recognize and admit that we are the friends of Hashem. As such, we should want to reinforce and encourage this friendship. We can hardly expect that Hashem will want to recognize us as being His friend unless He can be proud to have us as part of His circle. Therefore, it is in our favor and to our benefit, if we initiate the repentance process, and then hope that Hashem will reciprocate in kind.
2) It is not for naught that the word describing Hashem in this context is Dodi, since it means my friend, but also my uncle. The Torah, in discussing the laws of redeeming family inherited property that had to be sold, relies on the Dode, (uncle) or ben Dode (a cousin) to redeem, and he has priority over others, to insure that the property remain in the hands of the original family. In a number of instances, Hashem refers to the Bnay Yisroel as His children, such as in Bnee Bechori Yisroel, or Banim Atem, and they have been in exile for the past 2,000 years. Following the suggested order of responsibility, it should be the obligation of one of the family members to redeem lost property. It would therefore be only proper and fitting for Hashem to follow His own dictates, and redeem His children and return them to their former glory. This would reestablish the relationship between Hashem and the Bnay Yisroel, as well as teaching the world that indeed they are His private legion. When we declare Ani L’Ddodi, we are reminding Hashem of our familial relationship, thereby also asking that He fulfill His responsibity to us.
3) We are taught in the Shulchan Aruch, that it is customary in many communities, to start sounding the Shofar every morning following the Shachris prayers. This follows the text, When a Shofar is sounded, aren’t people stirred to fear? But this might be regarded as a negative way of referring to Teshuva. Do we do Teshuva only because of our fear of punishment? Teshuva should be done because of our love for Hashem and our will to satisfy Hashem. For this we have to refer to another text. In describing the scene of Mattan Torah at Har Sinai, we are told that a long and endless blast of a Shofar was heard. This heralded the descending, so to speak, of Hashem on the mountain and his communicating with the Bnay Yisroel. We are also assured by the Navi, that in the end of days, the arrival of Moshiach will be heralded by loud blasts of the Shofar. In both instances, as well as in other quotes, it is clear that the Shofar was not only introduced to instill fear in the hearts of those who hear its plaintive cry, but also to awaken a happy feeling, of being witness to an exciting coming event. With this interpretation, we listen to the Shofar daily, to awaken us to start our Teshuva, but likewise, to look with great anticipation, to the days of awe, when Hashem will forgive our sins and inscribe us for a year of blessings. This positive outlook, should also evoke an overwhelming feeling of gladness and joy, which is cause for Hashem to dwell among us. Chazal taught, The Shechina doesn’t dwell among sad people, and this is why we must be happy during these days. But we must also remember, that the joy which could encourage the Shechina to join us, is one of Simcha Shel Mitzvah, the result of performing good deeds. Such good and acceptable deeds, would of course include more time spent in Torah study, giving more money to Tzedaka, caring for others, making the downtrodden happy, and sharing whatever gifts Hashem has showered upon us, spiritual or physical, with those less fortunate. If we show Hashem that the Bnay Yisroel recognize our fellowship with others, He too will display His fellowship with us.
4) The astrological sign for Elul is Besulah, a virgin. We are taught, that a Besulah is to be given twelve months from the time of her engagement, until the wedding takes place, to allow her to prepare herself for this momentous occasion. If we are to relate to the astrological signs, as a guide for our religious obligations, we can understand why this symbol was chosen for this month. I read, that following the Holocaust, a number of Gedolay Yisroel implored all of those who survived, as well as those who were not physically part of the war, to accept upon themselves to replace the Torah that would have been studied, and the Mitzvos that would have been performed, by those whose lives were terminated before their time. Hashem looks forward to a conglomerate of Torah and Mitzvos before sending the Moshiach, and it is now the responsibility of those who are living, to compensate for those who died.
Since Chodesh Elul represents the last month of the year, and the month immediately preceding Tishrei, the days of awe, we must make up during this one month, all that we should have, but didn’t accomplish, during the past months, to complete the twelve months. Before we approach Hashem for a blessed new year, we must first present to Hashem an aggregate of Torah and Mitzvos, so that we will impress Hashem with our sincerity to fulfill our obligations to Him.
