Rosh Chodesh Elul

Elul is the month of preparation for the High Holidays. The name Elul is seen as an acronym for 'Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li' (I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine), expressing the intimate relationship between God and the Jewish people during this period of repentance. Moses ascended Mount Sinai for the third time on the 1st of Elul to receive the second set of tablets.

In Ashkenazi communities, the shofar is blown every weekday morning throughout Elul (except Erev Rosh Hashanah) to inspire repentance. Psalm 27, with its themes of seeking God's presence, is added to morning and evening prayers. Sephardi communities begin reciting Selichot from the 1st of Elul. Many people increase their Torah study, prayer, and charitable giving during this month.