Better than December - The Jewish Standard

Is this like the Jewish December?

I was talking to someone the other day and mentioned that we are in chodesh Elul, the last month of the year. My conversation partner, who was not Jewish, asked me this question: “Elul like the Jewish December?”

This question took me by surprise. It seems to be a simple comparison: after all, both are the last month of their respective calendars. But it didn’t take me long to realize how different they truly are.

First, the civil calendar is a manmade invention, while the Jewish calendar is a mitzvah: it was given to us by G-d and has been sacredly kept for generations.

Second — and this is more of a technical difference — December is always the 12th month of the year, while Elul can be the 13th. This year, for example, was a Hebrew leap year that included 13 months.

And then there’s the emotional difference. December has vibes of “snag-this-sale-before-it’s-over.” Often Chanukah falls during December, and even if not, do you know any Jew who will skip a good sale? I don’t.

When Elul comes, the feeling is quite the opposite. Yes, we shop for our apples, honey, and brisket (and if you find a good deal for kosher brisket, please send it my way!), but overall, the month radiates a feeling of stepping back from the daily routine. As we prepare for the High Holidays, we look back, reflect on our past year, and resolve to become better people.

There are many wonderful traditions during the month of Elul. In the synagogue, we blow the shofar every weekday; we recite additional prayers and psalms in preparation for the new year; and many people check their mezuzos and tefillin during this time.

This last tradition is particularly relevant this year. In the holy books, the mezuzah is a mitzvah that channels G-d’s protection for His people. Isn’t that something we all need now more than ever? Both here and in Israel, we all yearn for divine protection. And we pray and beseech G-d for the safety of the hostages and their families.

I’ve had the privilege of assisting many families and individuals in checking their mezuzos. Sadly, the market for mezuzot can be filled with bad merchandise or outright fraud. I remember helping a woman who hadn’t checked her mezuzos in over 10 years. We opened one of the mezuzah cases and were shocked to discover a copy of paper instead of the handwritten parchment that makes a mezuzah kosher.

Checking the mezuzah is also an opportunity to ensure that no letter or word has faded due to weather or other exposure. And of course, for those who don’t have a mezuzah at their door, Elul is the perfect month to fulfill this special mitzvah and add G-d’s protection to the world. (If you have any questions regarding mezuzah or mezuzos checking, feel free to contact me.)

So, is Elul like the Jewish December? In some ways, perhaps. But in the ways that matter most, Elul stands as a unique time for Jewish souls to reconnect, reflect, and renew.

May this last month of the Jewish calendar be a month of blessings, joy, health, and good news; may we experience closeness to G-d and each other.

Mendy Kaminker is the rabbi of Chabad of Hackensack and an editorial member of Chabad.org. He welcomes your comments at rabbi@ChabadHackensack.com