ספר דברים

5647-5648

Our sages explained that the month of Elul is hinted at in the pasuk (Shir Hashirim) “I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me.” The first luchos were given with an awakening from Above, while the second luchos resulted from Bnei Yisrael coming closer to Hashem, making them last forever. The first luchos were given with loud noises, but Hashem said there is nothing better than tznius (modesty) for the second luchos. The original intention of the first luchos was to repair the entire world, allowing all nations to exist through Bnei Yisrael's energy. However, Amalek's wickedness caused the sin of the Golden Calf, and the second luchos were given quietly, meant exclusively for Bnei Yisrael. This is reflected in the phrase “I am to my beloved,” indicating a singular, exclusive relationship.The month of Elul is designated for generations as a time to draw closer to Hashem. During the 40 days before receiving the second luchos, Bnei Yisrael repaired their sin, opening the gates of repentance and prayer. The pasuk states, “Hashem is close to all who call upon Him sincerely.” The Midrash clarifies that Hashem is close to those who call upon Him sincerely, but the Chidushei Harim explained that even those who do not call sincerely benefit, as the sincere prayers uplift the prayers of simpler people. Thus, in all generations, the accepted prayers of our forefathers allow our prayers to be elevated and connected to theirs, including those of Moshe Rabbeinu. This continuity ensures that even our modest prayers are lifted and heard through the legacy of our ancestors.

The primary idea in the expression “I am to my beloved” is that each Jew should realize they are created exclusively to serve the one who created them, with no other purpose or reason to exist. Although everything Hashem created is for His glory, the uniqueness of Bnei Yisrael is that everything in the world is created for them, and they, in turn, are created to serve Hashem. This concept is reflected in the words of our sages: "They were created to serve me, and I am created to serve my master" (Kidushin 82b).This is the meaning of the pasuk “And we are to Him,” written with an alef (meaning “we are not”) but read with a vav (meaning “to Him”). Essentially, nothing is for us; everything in this world exists for us to utilize in serving Him. This aligns with “we are His nation and the flock that He grazes.” The Tana Devei Eliyahu compares one who toils in Torah to an animal plowing in the field, signifying that just as an animal realizes its sole purpose is to serve its master, so too should a Jew understand their purpose is to serve Hashem.The prophet’s words, “An ox knows its master,” further illustrate this. Bnei Yisrael are described as having the intelligence of humans but placing themselves like animals, symbolizing the nullification of their own will to Hashem's will. They understand that their existence is solely “to their beloved.” Similarly, “My beloved is unto me” signifies that Hashem created and limited Himself into this world for His name to be known and revealed here, all for the sake of Bnei Yisrael, who are called Reishis. Before Rosh HaShana, when the world is renewed, we must clarify that all creation is for Bnei Yisrael, whose purpose is to fulfill Hashem's will. Therefore, in the month of Elul, each person should separate themselves from worldly vanities and prepare to serve Hashem exclusively.

The sign of the month of Elul is the virgin, symbolizing an inner purity in the soul of Yisrael that remains untouched by external forces, as described in Shir Hashirim 4:12: “A locked-up garden, a sealed fountain.” This pure point is referenced in “I am to my beloved,” indicating an unbroken connection to its divine source, always guarded for Hashem’s sake. While this point is not always easily accessed, Elul is a special time when Bnei Yisrael are awakened to return to Hashem, drawing closer to Him. This reciprocal relationship is expressed in “My beloved is unto me,” highlighting the unique divine attributes, such as the thirteen attributes of mercy revealed to Moshe after the sin of the Golden Calf.The Chidushei Harim explained that this concept is also reflected in the blessing “Magen Avraham” (Shield of Avraham). The holy covenant of circumcision, marked in our flesh, distinguishes us from all other creations. This is hinted at in the saying, “How great is the mitzvah of circumcision, for 13 covenants were made upon it.” By safeguarding this holy sign, the thirteen attributes of mercy are revealed. Thus, during Elul, the connection between “I am to my beloved” and “My beloved is unto me” is strengthened, as Bnei Yisrael’s return and dedication to Hashem reveal these divine attributes.In Elul, each person should strive to connect with this inner purity, recognizing it as a time of spiritual awakening and closeness to Hashem. By doing so, they align with the unique blessings designated for Bnei Yisrael, reinforcing their bond with the divine and fulfilling their purpose in creation.