Last updated 6:35 a.m. ET on 4 October 1999.

Elul - A Month of Preparation

During the month of Elul, the shofar is blown every weekday morning. The shofar is a reminder that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are on their way; an alarm clock telling us to wake up and to look at our lives and our relationships with other people. Elul gives us the chance each year to make amends, ask forgiveness from those around us, and resolve to do better in the coming year.

During this month of reflection, people often visit the graves of family members and other loved ones. Connecting with our past often gives us strength for facing the future.

Elul is therefore a necessary preparation for the season of repentance. Outside of Hollywood, one doesn't change one's entire life in a single day. Change is an ongoing process, and the month of Elul gives us the time to think about what needs to change, to express regret for our mistakes, and to begin the process of sincere repentance that can lead to true change.

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