ROSH CHODESH ELUL

   This is the special Shabbat of Rosh Chodesh Ellul, a month that significantly represents אני לדודי  ודודי לי, a true love affair with G-D, binding us closer to Hashem as we prepare for the ימים נוראים. The question we need to address, "How do we prepare for this great Rendevous with Hashem" 

         Know well that the ultimate goal of Judaism is to attain a state of Kedusha,that will bring about an עם קדוש.

        To really achieve that magnificent state of Kedusha, we must try to be עומד לפני הי, and this can be readily achieved when we are עבדו את הי בשמחה ,of serving and deifying Hashem in a state of Simcha.

   The Rav explains the entire idea of Simcha in a truly magnificent and inviting way. He does so, by reflecting the many times that the word and the directive of achieving Simcha is seen in this week's Parsha of Re'eh. 

   Herein we see that the Torah speaks about the שלוש רגלים, the three pilgrimage festivals, of Pesach, Shavuot and  Succot.

 The main theme of these ימים טובים, is to experience an intense feeling of Simcha. The Torah constantly mentions Simcha in the context of being, עומד לפני הי  of being and feeling that one is in the presence of G-D.

     The Rav explains that there is an intrinsic connection between Simcha and being in the presence of Hashem. Being in the presence of G-D encourages and obligates one to rejoice and to be משמח to the fullest extent. 

  Our physical visits to Yershalayim, during the Shlosh Regalim will uplift us spiritually and bring about a wonderful feeling of being in the presence of Hashem resulting in a euphoric state of Simcha. 

  It is with this idea in mind that. I remind everyone that Rosh Chodesh Elul is a propitious time to realize that we are slowly but surely beginning to stand before Hashem. The blowing of the Shofar during the month of Elul  is to signal  and to remind us of this most exhilarating spiritual time and to rejoice , yes rejoice , and to be Mesameach, for this great opportunity to be עומד לפני הי, of standing in the presence of Hashem. 

   This awesome feeling of  עומד לפני הי should engender an intense  feeling of Kedusha, and  a greater desire to change our ways. We will then become more motivated to recognize that we are standing in the presence of Hashem.  With such a positive attitude we will surely achieve the ultimate state of Simcha for ourselves, for our families, and for Klal Yisrael.

   

שבת שלום וחדש טוב.