WHAT IS ELUL ALL ABOUT?
AUDIO: What is ELUL all about?
Elul, the final month of the Jewish year, serves two key purposes:
[1] Preparing for Rosh Hashanah – As we’ll see below, this means setting ourselves up for the best possible year ahead.
[2] Fixing past mistakes (Teshuva) – So we enter the new year with a clean slate, or at least a plan in motion to achieve one. We’ll explore this further when we discuss Yom Kippur.
Hashem grants tremendous Divine help during Elul to those who make an effort. Using this time wisely can truly transform our lives for the better.
It’s said that in the past, people would tremble when Elul was announced in shul. Why? What was the fear? They didn’t want to miss the incredible opportunity of this month!
Now, let’s dive into understanding Rosh Hashanah—since preparing for it is central to the work of Elul and has everything to do with shaping our new year.
WHAT IS ROSH HASHANAH ALL ABOUT?
AUDIO: What is ROSH HASHANAH all about?
Rosh Hashanah is more than just the first two days of the Jewish year—it’s when our entire year ahead is decided: Health. Wealth. Opportunities for relationships and personal growth. Everything is determined during this time.
How is Judgment Made?
The Gemara states: “The way a person wants to go, that is where they are led.”
What do you truly want?
Contrary to popular belief, judgment on Rosh Hashanah is based primarily on our ratzon—our will and commitment for the future—rather than being about focusing on our past.
Think of it like an employee having a yearly review with a CEO, determining how much support, resources, and opportunities they will receive for the coming year. The clearer and more committed you are, the more investment and assistance you’ll receive.
The goal is to walk into Rosh Hashanah with a clear, committed vision for the future.
What About Past Mistakes?
That’s where Yom Kippur and Teshuva come in.
Rosh Hashanah is also about teshuva—fixing—but not the details. It’s about fixing the big picture—ensuring we know what is truly important and that we’re heading in the right direction with clarity and purpose.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
🔹 Do you feel emotionally strong enough to pursue your best year ahead?
🔹 Are you clear on what you want?
🔹 How much do you want it?
🔹 How committed are you to pursuing it?
Getting in touch with our deepest desires and setting ourselves up to pursue them is a process—and one of the main goals of Elul.
Exercises to Help You Gain Clarity and Set Yourself Up for an Amazing Year Ahead:
📝 Exercise 1: Reflect on past achievements to build energy for the future.
🎯 Exercise 2: Clarify your vision for the new year—what do you really want?
🔍 Exercise 3: Choose what to focus on first from your vision.
🤝 Exercise 4: Identify and seek outside support.
Introduce the next exercise here:
🤝 Exercise 7: Identify your persoanl contribution.
WHAT IS YOM KIPUUR (& TESHUVA) ALL ABOUT?
AUDIO: What is YOM KIPPUR & TESHUVA all about?
Yom Kippur – The Day of Teshuva
Teshuva is more than just saying sorry—it’s about realigning with your true self and committing to real change. It’s not about fixing everything overnight but about taking meaningful steps in the right direction.
The Three Steps of Teshuva
1️⃣ Admit the Mistake (Hakaras HaChet)
Before we can change, we must acknowledge where we’ve gone wrong. This requires honesty—no excuses, no justifications.
❓ What did I do? Where did I fall short?
Owning our mistakes is the first step toward growth.
2️⃣ Identify the Root Cause (Ikar HaChet)
Every action stems from something deeper—a mindset, a habit, or a weakness.
❓ What led me to make this mistake? Was it impulsiveness? Laziness? A lack of awareness?
Teshuva isn’t just about fixing actions; it’s about fixing the inner causes that led to them.
3️⃣ Regret (Charatah)
True teshuva means genuinely feeling the weight of our actions—not in a way that leads to self-blame but in a way that sparks motivation to change. Regret should come from a place of self-respect, realizing that we are capable of more and deserve to be our best selves.
4️⃣ Commit to Change (Kabbalah Al Ha’Atid)
Once we recognize the root, we can create a plan to avoid the same mistake in the future. This means:
✅ Adjusting behavior – What practical steps will I take to act differently next time?
✅ Eradicating the root cause – If the issue was anger, I may need to work on patience. If it was dishonesty, I may need to focus on integrity. The goal is not just to fix what happened but to become the kind of person who won’t repeat it.
Speaking It Out to Hashem
We are supposed to verbalize these steps before Hashem, expressing our regret and commitment to change.
For example:
- “Hashem, I recognize that I lost my temper and hurt someone with my words. I regret this and want to work on patience. I will be more mindful and catch myself before reacting in anger.”
When Another Person is Involved
If our mistake involved another person, we must:
✔ Ask for forgiveness
✔ Rectify any harm done, whether by repaying damages, restoring their dignity, or making amends in another way.
You Can’t Change Everything at Once—And That’s Okay
Teshuva is not about becoming perfect overnight—it’s about setting a clear direction. Start with the most important change and commit to real steps forward. Hashem isn’t asking for instant transformation—He’s asking for effort.
Do Exercises 5 and 6 to help you identify what to do teshuva on and take the first real step forward.
📝 Exercise 5: Blah blah
🎯 Exercise 6: Blah blah
Rosh Hashanah is more than just the first 2 days of the Jewish year. It is the period that our year ahead is decided upon. Health. Wealth. Personal growth opportunities. Everything!
How is the judgement made.
There is an expression from the gemara – b’derech sh’adam rotzeh, leylech, bo molichim oto – the way a person WANTS to go that way he is led. What do you want?
Contrary to popular belief, the judgement on Rosh Hashanah is primarily based on our ratzon – will – commitment for the future, as opposed to our past. It is like a person going to a CEO that wants to invest in them based on what they want to do. The more clear and committed, the more the CEO will invest. So Rosh HAsheanh is more future focused. What about past mistakes? We will get more into that in Yom Kippur Teshuva. that is about fixing details. This is about fixing the big picture – heading in the right direction with clarity.
Are you clear on what you want?
And HOW MUCH do you want what you want? How committed are you to go after what you want.
Getting in touch with our wants is a process. And this is a large part of what Elul is about.
Exercise 1 will help you look back and get energy for the future as you know you have achieved a lot.
EXERCISE 2 will help with clarifying your vision for the new year. It will help you clarify what you really want.
EXERCISE 3 will help you to choose what to focus on, from your vision, first.
EXERCISE 4 will help you get outside support.
Key Themes of Rosh Hashanah
- Hashem’s Kingship – We declare Hashem as King of the universe, reaffirming that He is the source of all life and meaning.
- Judgment Day – Every person is judged based on who they are right now and the direction they are heading. Our actions, struggles, and potential all play a role in determining our future.
- The Power of Will (Ratzon) – What we truly desire on Rosh Hashanah shapes our year ahead. It is a day to clarify our wants, aspirations, and direction in life.
- The Shofar’s Wake-Up Call – The blasts of the shofar awaken us to our purpose, calling us to rise above distractions and return to what truly matters.
Preparing for Rosh Hashanah
Since Rosh Hashanah is a day of judgment, preparation is key:
✅ Clarify your Ratzon (what you really want) – What kind of life do you want? What spiritual goals do you have? What kind of person do you want to become?
✅ Reflect on your past year – Identify areas where you have grown and where you need to improve.
✅ Strengthen your commitment to Hashem – Rosh Hashanah is not about personal requests but about aligning your will with Hashem’s and choosing to live with purpose.
The Most Important Question on Rosh Hashanah
On this day, Hashem grants us another year based on one fundamental question: What do you truly want from life? If your deepest will is to grow, to come closer to Hashem, and to fulfill your purpose, then the day’s judgment becomes an opportunity—a chance to receive the life and strength needed to achieve that goal.
Take Action – Make Rosh Hashanah Meaningful
🎯 Don’t just show up—prepare! Think deeply about what you want for your future.
📖 Tap into the power of the day. Let the shofar remind you of your mission.
👑 Embrace Hashem’s Kingship. Make this day about reconnecting with your purpose and committing to living with meaning.
Rosh Hashanah is a day of possibilities. Use it well, and you can shape an incredible year ahead. 🚀
I’ll now extract key insights from the PDF and create a concise and clear summary for Yom Kippur and Teshuva, designed for a website format. Stay tuned!
Yom Kippur: A Day of Teshuva, Renewal, and Transformation
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is a day when we stand before Hashem, free from distractions, and focus entirely on teshuva—returning to our true selves and realigning with our purpose.
The Essence of Yom Kippur
- A Day of Teshuva – More than just repentance, teshuva means returning to the person you were meant to be.
- Spiritual Purification – On Yom Kippur, we step away from physical needs (eating, drinking, etc.) to elevate ourselves spiritually.
- A Day of Divine Mercy – It is the day when Hashem forgave Klal Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf, establishing it as an eternal day of atonement.
- A Fresh Start – Hashem doesn’t just erase past mistakes—He gives us the opportunity to redefine who we are.
Teshuva: Returning to Your Best Self
Teshuva is not just about regret; it’s about realigning with your potential.
✅ Recognize your mistakes – Be honest about where you’ve fallen short.
✅ Commit to change – Decide what kind of person you truly want to become.
✅ Strengthen your relationship with Hashem – Use Yom Kippur as a turning point.
✅ Let go of the past – Hashem’s mercy allows us to start fresh, no matter where we’ve been.
How to Prepare for Yom Kippur
- Think about what you really want – What do you want your life to look like? Yom Kippur is about clarifying your ratzon—your true desires.
- Apologize and forgive – Hashem forgives us when we forgive others. Clear up any unresolved conflicts.
- Reflect on your growth – What steps can you take to ensure real change lasts beyond Yom Kippur?
- Make a plan – Lasting change requires action. Commit to one or two real, achievable improvements.
Final Thought: Don’t Waste Yom Kippur!
This is not just a day of fasting—it’s a day of transformation.
- The greatest tragedy is going through Yom Kippur unchanged.
- Hashem is giving you an open door—walk through it and start living the life you were meant to live!
🚀 Use this day wisely, and it will shape your entire year ahead.
ElulTime.com – Your Guide to the Days of Awe
Transform Your Life in 40 Days
A Step-by-Step Journey from Elul to Yom Kippur
Welcome to ElulTime.com, your digital guide to spiritual growth during the High Holy Days. Whether you’re new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this resource will help you prepare for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and beyond.
A Guide to the Month of Elul, Rosh Hashanah, the Ten Days of Teshuva, Yom Kippur, and Teshuva
The period from Elul through Yom Kippur is a divinely designated opportunity—an Et Ratzon (time of favour)—when Hashem gives us extra help (Siyata Dishmaya) to return to Him and set the course for a successful and meaningful year. This is the time to fix what needs fixing before the year ends and to enter the new year with clarity and readiness.
1. The Month of Elul – An Opportunity for Change
Elul is the month of preparation before Rosh Hashanah. It is a time for introspection and repentance, when we reflect on the past year and set the groundwork for growth. The phrase “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” (I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine) is associated with Elul, symbolising our closeness to Hashem.
During this time:
• The shofar is blown daily as a wake-up call to stir us to teshuva.
• Selichot (penitential prayers) are recited, asking for divine mercy.
• It is a time of extra Siyata Dishmaya (Heavenly assistance) for growth and change.
• Hashem is described as being “closer” during Elul, like a king who steps out into the field, making Himself more accessible to His people.
Elul is not a time for fear, but rather for opportunity—to repair the past and set a clear direction for the year ahead.
2. Rosh Hashanah – The Day of Judgment
Rosh Hashanah, the “Head of the Year,” is the day when Hashem judges all of creation. On this day:
• Our decrees for the coming year are written in the Book of Life.
• The shofar is blown, awakening our souls to the reality that Hashem is King.
• We focus on crowning Hashem as our King, aligning ourselves with His will.
• The Tashlich ceremony symbolically casts away our sins.
This is not yet a day of confession, but a day to show that we want to be part of Hashem’s kingdom. Our Ratzon (will)—what we truly desire—plays a crucial role in our judgment. The clearer and purer our will to live a meaningful, Torah-aligned life, the greater the clarity and merit we bring into the judgment.
3. The Ten Days of Teshuva – A Time to Act
The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, known as the Aseres Yemei Teshuva (Ten Days of Repentance), is the final stretch before the decree is sealed on Yom Kippur.
During these days, Hashem is especially close, making it easier for us to return to Him. Our actions during this time carry extra weight. It is a time to take action:
• Teshuva – Returning to Hashem through sincere introspection and change.
• Tefillah (prayer) – Strengthening our connection with Hashem.
• Tzedakah (charity) – Giving generously, which brings merit and atonement.
“Teshuva, Tefillah, and Tzedakah remove the severity of the decree.”
During these days, every effort counts. Even small steps in the right direction have a profound impact.
4. Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur is the culmination of the Teshuva process—a day of purification. It is the day when the verdict is sealed. On this day:
• We refrain from physical pleasures (fasting, no leather shoes, no washing, etc.) to focus purely on the soul.
• The Vidui (confession) prayers allow us to articulate our mistakes and commit to change.
• It is a day of intense prayer, with five prayer services culminating in Neilah, the final sealing of the decree.
Yom Kippur is not about perfection—it is about making a sincere step in the right direction. Hashem wants real movement forward, even if small, and the more clarity and sincerity we bring, the more effective our teshuva will be.
5. Teshuva – Returning to Our True Selves
Teshuva means returning—not just repentance, but returning to who we truly are. It involves:
1. Recognising our mistakes.
2. Feeling sincere regret.
3. Confessing before Hashem.
4. Taking steps to change.
Teshuva is not all or nothing. We don’t need to fix everything at once. The key is to start somewhere—to make one real change, one small but significant step towards becoming the person we want to be.
Conclusion: Grasping the Opportunity
This period, from Elul through Yom Kippur, is a gift—a time of tremendous Siyata Dishmaya when Hashem wants us to succeed. He is rooting for us.
By taking even small, sincere steps towards teshuva, we rewrite our own story—entering the new year with clarity, strength, and a fresh start.
May we all merit to use this time wisely, return to Hashem, and be sealed for a year of life, blessing, and growth.
ElulTime.com is a 40-day structured program with daily exercises, reflections, and growth-focused activitiesdesigned to help you: ✅ Reflect on your life
✅ Set meaningful goals
✅ Strengthen your relationship with Hashem
✅ Prepare for the new year with clarity and purpose
Each section includes practical tools, journal prompts, and actionable insights to make this journey personal and transformative.
📖 The Journey: Day-by-Day Guide
(Click on each section to expand and begin your journey!)
📅 Step 1: Elul – The Month of Preparation
“The King is in the Field”
🔹 What is Elul?
Elul is a time of spiritual awakening and self-improvement. The sages teach that Hashem is more accessible during this time, making it easier to return to Him.
Key Practices of Elul
🔹 Daily Shofar Blowing – A spiritual wake-up call
🔹 Psalm 27 – Strengthening trust in Hashem
🔹 Selichot – Prayers for forgiveness and mercy
🔹 Journaling & Self-Reflection – Setting a foundation for change
✅ Daily Exercise:
- What’s one area in your life that you want to improve?
- Write down three things you are grateful for each morning.
📌 Start Your Elul Reflections Here!
📅 Step 2: Rosh Hashanah – The Day of Judgment
“Today is the Birthday of the World”
🔹 What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the Days of Awe. It is a day of judgment but also a day of hope and new beginnings.
Key Themes of Rosh Hashanah
🔹 Hearing the Shofar – The mitzvah of the day
🔹 Tefillah (Prayer) – Strengthening your connection with Hashem
🔹 Tashlich Ceremony – Symbolically casting sins into a body of water
✅ Reflection Exercise:
- Where do you want to be by next Rosh Hashanah?
- If you could write a “spiritual mission statement” for the year, what would it be?
📌 Set Your Rosh Hashanah Goals Here!
📅 Step 3: The Ten Days of Teshuva
“Between Judgment and Atonement”
🔹 What are the Ten Days of Teshuva?
These 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are an intense time of personal transformation.
How to Maximize These Days
🔹 Seek Forgiveness – Make amends with others
🔹 Increase Charity & Kindness – Strengthen your actions
🔹 Make One Small Commitment – Choose one mitzvah to improve
✅ Journal Exercise:
- Who in your life do you need to ask forgiveness from?
- What one mitzvah will you strengthen during these days?
📌 Start Your Ten Days of Teshuva Here!
📅 Step 4: Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement
“Give it all you’ve got!”
🔹 What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is not a sad day—it is a day of spiritual renewal and clarity.
Key Themes of Yom Kippur
🔹 Fasting & Self-Denial – Focusing on spirituality
🔹 Vidui (Confession) – Verbalizing your Teshuva
🔹 Neilah (Closing Service) – The final moments before the “gates of prayer” close
✅ Final Teshuva Reflection:
- What do I regret most from this year?
- What practical steps will I take to change?
📌 Complete Your Yom Kippur Confession Here!
🔄 The Teshuva Process
“Teshuva doesn’t mean becoming someone new—it means returning to who you truly are.”
According to Rambam, Teshuva has four key steps: 1️⃣ Recognition – Acknowledge mistakes
2️⃣ Regret – Feel genuine remorse
3️⃣ Commitment – Plan to change
4️⃣ Confession (Vidui) – Verbalize your Teshuva before Hashem
📌 Learn How to Do Teshuva Properly Here!
📝 Tools & Resources
🌟 Interactive Journal
✅ Daily gratitude exercises
✅ Affirmations & positive mindset shifts
✅ Weekly goal-setting prompts
✅ Printable Teshuva Worksheets
📖 Torah Learning & Shiurim
- 🔹 The Power of Elul – Why this month is a gift
- 🔹 How to Make Rosh Hashanah Meaningful
- 🔹 The Deep Meaning of Vidui (Confession)
📌 Explore More Torah Learning Here!
🚀 Get Started Today!
The 40-day journey from Elul to Yom Kippur is a gift—a chance to reset, refocus, and realign with your best self.
✅ Start Today with One Simple Action:
📌 Begin Your Journey Here!