The Month of Elul 5786

The Month of Elul 5786

The month of Elul is significant for every one of us, as we enter the season of
reflection, honesty, and spiritual repair. This is the time when we intentionally recognize the
habits, patterns, and behaviors in our lives that are broken and need restoration. This work is
called making a tikun — a repair, a mending of what has been damaged.

It is said that during this month, the King is in the field. He is near. He is
accessible. He is available to us in a unique and intimate way. We have His support, and He will
guide us through the process of tikun. We are not alone in our efforts.

Daily Reading: Psalm 27

1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.

3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war
should rise against me, In this I will be confident.

4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in
the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire
in His temple.

5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret
place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore, I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing
praises to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer
me.

8 When You said, 'Seek My face,' My heart said to You, 'Your face, LORD, I
will seek.'

9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You
have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of
me.

11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my
enemies.

12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have
risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.

13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the
goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.