Elul, the month of return

Tonight begins Rosh Chodesh Elul of the Hebrew year 5785. This month calls us to enter in with a sacred invitation to reflect, renew, and return. We are called to do teshuvah, to begin our journey of introspection once again and return to what matters most, Messiah, our values and relationships, and our connection to Hashem.

The name of this month, Elul, is an acronym for the words “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li - I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” from Song of Songs 6:3. This phrase speaks of the heart of Hashem and His desire to love us and receive love from us. As Elul is the month leading up to the holy day of Yom Teruah, we are called to draw even closer to our Beloved and take small, meaningful steps to nurture the relationship we have with Him.

For the month of Elul, it is customary to recite chapter 27 of Tehillim (Psalms), that begins with the words: “Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation.” These powerful words remind us that although we’re faced with various trials and adversities, Hashem is our ultimate source of light and salvation.

Let us take this month to prepare, and to return to our Beloved. And may He illuminate our path and reveal to us His salvation, His Yeshua, in greater measure.

Chodesh tov, beloved ones❤️