* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Today is Rosh Chodesh Elul. In 40 days, Yom Kippur will arrive. What are our aspirations? What do we need to change and rectify in our lives, in our character, in our nation, in the world at large? How do we take the first step in order to reach the holiest day of the year better than we were and then persist in that improved state throughout the new year?
Many books single out Yom Kippur for special attention. The spiritual training camp for it begins now as each year we are given the opportunity to instill changes and bring about improvements in our lives during this time. This is an ancient idea that goes back to preparation for the first Yom Kippur. These are the 40 days that Moses ascended to Mount Sinai to ask forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. When these days concluded on Yom Kippur, the day of forgiveness and atonement, Moses descended to the Jewish people with the second Set of Tablets in his hands. Ever since then, these 40 days have been a time for drawing close to God, for reconciliation among ourselves, and for becoming better human beings.
We too can utilize the awesome potential of the days between the 1st of Elul and 10th of Tishrei and commit to working on — for starters — a single area of our lives. Such a commitment is especially meaningful this year. If only many small changes would lead to a big improvement. Each person can resolve to take up a new commitment in some area of life and persevere in living up to it each day. Our sages explain that a dramatic resolution to change has almost no chance of being implemented. But a reasonable resolution that is implemented gradually over the next 40 days can have lasting results.
So what is your 40-day challenge? Chodesh tov. Have a good month.
