Elul is a month like no other. Yes, Adar is full of joy, but that’s because of Purim, which falls mid-month. True, Av is mournful, but that’s because of Tisha b’Av, which occurs in the first third. Elul is special because the month is dedicated to introspection, reflection, self-improvement, and rectification. All this is in anticipation of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur – which occur in the following month, Tishrei. The things we do in Elul are largely because it’s Elul, a month that has its own feel irrespective of any holidays that may or may not occur within it.
To that end, you will find scads of articles and shiurim on OU Holidays dedicated not to Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur, but to the months of Elul. (By “scads,” we mean “large amounts,” not the fish.) In anticipation of the month’s arrival, we posted Elul and Rosh Chodesh Elul (by the generic “OU Staff”), plus Introduction to the Month of Elul by Rabbi Eliyahu Ferrell and Elul Thoughts – part 1 by Rochi Lerner a”h.
OU Holidays will be changing our Elul content weekly throughout the month, gradually mixing in Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur content. So check it out and come back often for the complete Elul experience!