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Elul

Elul is the sixth month of the civil year and the sixth month of the religious year in the Hebrew calendar, occurring before Tishrei. In the fixed calendar it usually falls in late summer to early autumn and lasts 29 days. The month is traditionally viewed as a time of preparation for the High Holy Days, particularly Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, emphasizing reflection, repentance, and reconciliation.

The etymology of Elul is not certain. Most scholars link the name to the Babylonian month Ellul,

Common observances during Elul include intensified prayers and self-scrutiny. Many communities begin selichot, penitential prayers, either

In liturgical and cultural practice, Elul marks a transition from normal life to the heightened spiritual discipline

though
various
folk
etymologies
exist
in
Hebrew
literature.
In
Jewish
thought,
Elul
is
associated
with
teshuva
(repentance)
and
a
period
of
self-examination
that
prepares
individuals
for
the
introspection
of
the
Days
of
Awe.
at
the
start
of
Elul
or
on
the
Saturday
night
preceding
Rosh
Chodesh
Elul,
with
practices
varying
by
tradition.
Individuals
are
encouraged
to
review
their
actions,
repair
relationships,
and
seek
forgiveness
from
others.
Tashlich,
the
symbolic
casting
away
of
sins,
is
often
performed
on
Rosh
Hashanah
or
during
Elul.
Some
people
engage
in
additional
study,
charity,
and
acts
of
kindness
as
part
of
the
spiritual
preparation.
of
the
High
Holy
Days.
Customs
can
differ
among
Jewish
denominations
and
communities,
but
the
overall
aim
is
communal
and
personal
renewal
in
the
lead-up
to
Rosh
Hashanah
and
Yom
Kippur.