ELUL – THE PREPARATION FOR ROSH HASHANA · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס”ד

The Torah portions before Rosh Hashanah are somewhat related to the special time of Elul and the day of judgment. In last week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we read the opening verse:

“And it shall be, when you come into the land” (Deuteronomy 26:1).

In its literal sense, this verse speaks of the entry of the Children of Israel into the Promised Land following the Exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. Some Chabad Hasidic masters explain that “coming into the land” describes the journey of every human soul—the descent of the soul from its pure source Above into this physical world, referred to as the “land.” Why is this descent from a spiritual realm into a physical, challenge-filled reality considered a benefit, when at first glance it distances us from G-d’s presence and exposes us to the struggles of the physical world?

The truth is that this is a “descent for the purpose of elevation”—a journey designed to bring a person to a far higher state than the soul could ever attain prior to coming into this world. The Creator, in His infinite goodness, desired to grant humanity an unimaginable reward and a divine bond beyond human comprehension. This connection is not given as “bread of shame” (unearned charity), but is earned through personal effort, overcoming obstacles, and fulfilling one’s life mission in the world of action.

When a Noahide man or woman fulfills the Seven Noahide Laws and acts to build a just and moral society, they create an essential, living connection with G-d. In Chassidic teaching, the Hebrew word mitzvah (commandment) is linked to tzavta, which means togetherness and connection. Through good deeds in this physical world, any human being connects with the Creator in a far deeper and more wondrous manner than was possible even in the highest spiritual realms.

We are currently in the final days of the month of Elul—a period of soul-searching in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the day when all inhabitants of the world pass before the Creator and the abundance for the entire year is decided. A central part of every individual’s personal accounting is contemplating what will the coming year look like in fulfilling my primary purpose in this world?

Crucially, this accounting of the soul must be conducted with genuine joy rather than despair. It should never lead to sadness or heaviness, as sadness paralyzes the spirit, whereas true spiritual growth requires energy and enthusiasm. Instead, recognizing our divine purpose should fill us with gladness that the Creator trusts us with such an important mission. When we reflect on the past year out of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve G-d, this positive awareness inspires us with renewed vitality to add in goodness, increase acts of kindness, and strengthen our observance of the Seven Noahide Laws in the coming New Year.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

Sources and References:

Deuteronomy 26:1 – Entering the Land (Parashat Ki Tavo).
Deuteronomy 29:9 – “You are standing today, all of you, before the L-rd your G-d” (Parashat Nitzavim).
Tanya, Likutei Amarim, Chapter 37 – The descent of the soul for the purpose of elevation and the power of physical action.
Likutei Torah (by the Alter Rebbe), Parashat Shelach – The spiritual dimension of the soul’s descent.
Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:2 – “On Rosh Hashanah all inhabitants of the world pass before Him like a flock of sheep.”
Maimonides (Rambam), Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 3:1–4 – The judgment of all human beings on Rosh Hashanah and the duty to turn to G-d through contemplation and good deeds.

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN