By Rabbi Alberto Sermoneta
On 11 August (2018) the month of Elul begins, which is a very important month because throughout its duration we will recite the selichot. On Sunday morning, the second day of Rosh Chodesh (since the first day is Shabbat), the shofar will be sounded.
This is the month in which G-d's love for His people is felt most strongly, also in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah, which will fall exactly a month from now.
In this month, just as a king descends once a year among his subjects to listen to their most pressing needs, so the Lord G-d draws closer to the Jewish people to listen to their needs.
If G-d manifests this goodness towards us, all the more so do we human beings have the duty to be present at this extraordinary event, showing love for Him, but above all love towards our brothers and sisters.
At the root of all this is respect and love for the people closest to us, doing everything possible to make peace with them, while also listening to their reasons and needs.
Our Sages have formed an acronym from the word ELUL using the initials of a verse from Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs) which goes with the words
אני לדודי ודודי לי
I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.