In the month of Elul, we already feel the atmosphere of the approaching Day of Judgment. Each and every one takes stock of their souls and prepares for the terrible days. Naturally, tones of awe awaken in hearts. Even the sound of the shofar inspires fear – "If a shofar is blown in a city and the people do not fear?!".
However, the Baal Shem Tov, who was born in Elul and also appeared to the world on this day and began to illuminate it with the light of Hasidism, revealed that the days of Elul are also days of great love.
During these days, the thirteen attributes of God's mercy shine forth. Rabbi Shneur-Zalman of Ladi, the author of the Tanya, who was also born in the month of Elul, likens God in the month of Elul to a king who goes out into the field, to the people, and receives everyone "with a beautiful countenance and a face that is pleasing to all.".
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''Our Father' and 'Our King''
So, what emotions are supposed to arise in our hearts during the month of Elul, feelings of awe or love, anxiety or joy?
A delicate combination of the two approaches is required here - justice and mercy, fear and love. Jewish life in general is built on a correct balance between the poles. Love that is not accompanied by fear is liable to cause disdain for the meticulous observance of the Torah and the commandments. A person feels excessive closeness and it seems to him that among 'friends' his behavior will be accepted with forgiveness. On the other hand, fear that is not accompanied by love takes away the joy from a person and creates gloom in him.
Our attitude towards God is made up of a combination of approaches. We say: "Our Father is our King." 'Our Father' symbolizes closeness, like a merciful and loving father. 'Our King' represents awe, like the awe that the people felt towards the king. Thus, we turn to God with these two feelings - a merciful father and at the same time a great and terrible king.
And yet, love is the one that grows. It is the main driving force in Jewish life. In education, too, the sages said that the right mix of the two approaches is: "The left repels and the right brings." Although there must also be a 'left repels,' we must do the repulsion and deterrence with the left hand, the weaker one; while the rapprochement and love must be expressed with the greater power, with the strong hand, the right hand.
Time to bless
This is the approach with which we must also address the masses of the House of Israel. Some seek to stir hearts, and employ the language of warnings and intimidation. This is a path that has been largely undermined by its usefulness. Threats close hearts and keep the masses away from drawing closer to God and His Torah. It is precisely an approach of love and mercy that opens hearts and stirs the people to draw closer to our Father in Heaven.
During the month of Elul, we customarily greet one another with wishes for a happy and sweet new year. This custom reflects the appropriate approach to these days. This is a time when we should greet Jews, wish them all the best in physical and spiritual ways, and arouse mercy before our Father in Heaven, who will shower upon us His abundant blessings. It is the divine blessing that will awaken the multitudes of the House of Israel to also return to God with love and willingness.
Therefore, let us hope that we will all merit God's blessing, that the coming year will be a good and sweet year, both in public affairs and in individual lives, and that it will be the year of true and complete redemption through our righteous Messiah.
