📜 Introduction
This summary presents the essential points of the teaching: why Elul is a window of favor, how teshuvah – tefilah – tzedakah structure our preparation, and why tzedakah is the key that opens the gates of prayer and protects life.
Main Sources: Chayei Adam (klal 138), Rambam Hilkhot Teshuvah 2:4 & 3:4, Baal HaTurim (Devarim 15), Isaiah 54, Proverbs 10–11.
🗓️ Why Re'eh Announces Elul
- Elul = days of favor: From Moses' ascent on Rosh Chodesh until Yom Kippur – a propitious time when teshuvah is better received (Chayei Adam).
- Sounding the shofar: A custom to awaken the heart from the beginning of Elul to prepare for judgment.
- Rambam: During these days, one should increase tzedakah and good deeds more than at any other time of the year (HT 3:4).
🔺 The 3 Keys that Overturn the Decree
The Sages teach it: teshuvah, tefilah, and tzedakah "overpower" the severity of the decree. Three allusions from Elul:
- Teshuvah — "And the L-rd, your G-d, will circumcise your heart" (Deut. 30:6): a return of the heart.
- Tefilah — "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine": a direct and intimate relationship with Hashem.
- Tzedakah — "Each man to his friend, and gifts to the poor" (Esther 9:22): generosity towards others.
Elul is not just a countdown; it is an alignment of the heart, speech, and hand.
🌗 Not "Just" Tzedakah: The Arc of Elul
- Daily Shofar of Elul: To awaken the heart.
- Selichot: Starting from the beginning of the month (according to customs) to enter a dynamic of supplication and forgiveness.
- "Ani LeDodi VeDodi Li": A reciprocal relationship — the final letters of the words equal 40, for the 40 days until Yom Kippur.
- "U'Mal Hashem Elokecha Et Levavcha": Purification of the will (deep teshuvah).
- Rambam’s 4 Levers: Tzedakah, tse'aka (crying out), shinuy shem (changing one's identity), shinuy ma'aseh (changing one's actions); and exile which brings humility.
- Haftarah "O afflicted, storm-tossed one, who has not been comforted": a promise of restoration and peace — an axis of hope.
🔓 Tzedakah — The Key that Opens the Heavens
Baal HaTurim on "You shall surely open" (Deut. 15): if you open your hand, the gates of heaven open to your prayer. Conversely, "He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor"... his own prayer will be blocked.
Why is it paramount here?
- It gives life: One who revives a soul deserves, measure for measure, life and to be heard from Above.
- It unlocks accusations: Kindness disarms the accuser and allows blessings to pass through.
The Secret of Sharing: מחצית (Machatsit)
The Hebrew word for "half" or "sharing," מחצית, reveals the very essence of Tzedakah. It is not just about giving, but a spiritual mechanism that protects life. Let's analyze its structure:
- On the outside: the letters מ (Mem) and ת (Tav), which form the word מֵת (Met) — "death."
- On the inside: the letters ח (Chet) and י (Yud), which form the word חַי (Chai) — "life."
- At the center: the letter צ (Tsadi), which represents צדקה (Tzedakah), justice.
Tzedakah (צ) is the central pivot. When we activate it through sharing, it places life (חי) at the core of our existence and pushes death (מֵת) to the periphery. To share is to choose life.
🛡️ "Tzedakah Saves from Death"
Proverbs (10 & 11): "וצדקה תציל ממות". The teaching cites classic stories that illustrate this promise:
- The woodcutter saved from the snake — a discreet act of charity reversed the danger.
- The daughter of Rabbi Akiva saved by an act of generosity on her wedding night.
- The Chasid rescued from the waves — "Cast your bread upon the waters" (Ecclesiastes 11).
- Binyamin HaTzadik — granted an extension of life for feeding a mother and her children.
Tzedakah is not a philanthropic option: it is a spiritual protection.
🏗️ Geulah & Responsibility
- "Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her returnees with tzedakah" — redemption comes through justice and charity.
- "And all your children shall be students of the L-rd" (Isaiah 54): even one who does not have the head for study can purchase Torah time by supporting Torah scholars (explanation from the Chida).
🧭 Key Takeaways
- Start early: Elul is the on-ramp.
- Align: Teshuvah (heart), Tefilah (speech), Tzedakah (hand).
- Open: An open hand opens the Heavens.
1. A Coin Before Prayer
Put a coin in the pushka (charity box) before "Vayevarech David." Open your hand → open the gates of Heaven.
2. The 40-Day Challenge
From Rosh Chodesh to Yom Kippur, choose an Elul habit: shofar, selichot, a daily donation (even symbolic).
3. Change One Action
Apply shinuy ma'aseh: remove 1 bad habit (harsh speech, wasting time) and replace it with 1 good one.
4. Local Tzedakah First
Support a family in your city or a Torah scholar — local needs come first.
5. Share & Influence
Send a friend a dvar Torah + a concrete micro-action (e.g., $5 for a specific need).
6. Kindness Journal
Each evening: note 1 act of kindness done + 1 need to support tomorrow. Awareness builds consistency.
English summary version. Based on the teachings of Rabbi Rosemblum.