This speech explains the energy of the month of Elul. Elul is the month before Rosh Hashanah and the other holidays of Tishrei. As such, it is a month of reflection, introspection, and taking stock of the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a discourse given by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, of blessed memory, in the city of Liozna, in 1747. The discourse explains, among other things, the relationship of God with the Jew and vice versa, the Thirteen Attributes of Divine Mercy, what spiritual work is (Avodah<\/em>) of the month of Elul and what each one must do in order to feel close to God, even one who has strayed from the path of Torah and Mitzvot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the key points of the discourse is an example the Alter Rebbe uses to explain the difference between the days of Elul and other holidays, including Yom Kippur, when the Thirteen Attributes of Divine Mercy are revealed. The example is that the King, instead of being in his royal palace, which can only be entered with permission, etc., is in the countryside, and anyone who wishes can go out and see him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elul is like the king in the fields, while Rosh Hashanah and the other holidays are like the king in his palace. In Elul, we can all draw near to God, and He receives us all with a joyful countenance to bless us for the coming year with health, children, and abundant sustenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n