Tzipiyah.com

One thing that I have always felt to be lacking in our generation is spirituality within Judaism.  So many Jews today, ones who consider themselves very pious, have gotten to the point where ritual is done out of nature.  That is what I feel has become mainstream in Judaism- robotically perform the ritual, absentmindedly say the words written on the page.  No attention needed.  Of course, there are exeptions to the rule, and of course, this is only my opinion.  Even if you disagree, indulge me for a moment, look at the picture through my point of view.

I believe deeply, with my entire being, that a person can grow only to his heighest potential when there is spirituality involved.  Second-nature ritual done with no thought can only get a person so far: only one who concentrates on the act he is performing, who tries to understand and appreciate the significance of it, can raise himself to a level of greatness.  As we find ourselves now in the month of Elul, we have now the best opportunity to connect to our spiritual sides.

The Chasidic movement was founded in the early 1700’s by the Ba’al Shem Tov (”Besht”) on the belief that it is possible to connect with the Almighty, no matter how learned or wise a person is.  The Besht said that during the month of Elul, “HaMelech BaSadeh”- “The King is in the field.”  This is in contrast to the rest of the year, when the King is in His palace.  A king in a palace is not easily reachable.  One must pass the guards at the gate, at the palace doors, at his throne room, and so on.  It’s no simple task.  However, when a king is in a field, he’s right there!  Just walk up to him!  During this month, says the Besht, the Almighty is “in the field,” He has brought Himself right into our midst, He’s come close to us.  It takes almost no effort to approach Him.  This is a spiritual reality during the month of Elul, and even Kabalistic writings hint to this.  During this time, G-d is waiting for us!

After Elul, we go right into the Yamim Nora’im, Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur.  These are days of din and kapara, judgement and atonement.  How on earth could such days, days during which our past is scrutinized and our future is determined, come off the heals of such a potently spiritual, effortless month?

The Hebrew letters that spell “Elul,” “Aleph” “Lamed” “Vav” “Lamed” are said to stand for the words of the pasuk in Shir HaShirim, “Ani Lidodi Vidodi Li,” “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”  This is pure, holy love, and it is describing the relationship between G-d and Am Yisrael.  We know that the Yamim Nora’im are our opportunity to change ourselves, and the question of these days is, Have you taken your opportunity to build your relationship with the Almighty?  That is the emphasis, not Have you been good or bad.  So, Elul is the time in which we must work on our spirituality, build our spiritual relationships with our Creator.

When we sin, we are destroying our connection with G-d.  When we have fear of Heaven, it isn’t fear of being punished, but rather, fear of destroying our relationship!  In Elul, we must fix our relationship.  How?  Through Teshuva!  And once we understand everything said above, we understand what Teshuva is: it is to look back at our year and asses our relationship with G-d, see where there is wear and tear in it, and improve those aspects of our spiritual character that are weakening.  That is how we improve ourselves.

It is my dear hope that Am Yisrael feels the yearning for this relationship, that we all realize that The King really is in the field, that He’s waiting for us, and all it takes is a bit of effort to get close to Him.  May all of Am Yisrael realize their spiritual potential and may “Mashiach” be inscribed in The Book of Life this year!