1. The Rebbe’s Assurance in Elul
I saw in a letter from the Rebbe a very interesting idea: the Rebbe says that when you ask Hashem for something during Elul, Hashem will definitely grant it to you. The month of Elul is known as Chodesh HaRachamim—the month of mercy. We always speak about this aspect, but the Rebbe adds another dimension to what Elul represents.
2. The Deeper Meaning of Elul’s Name
The name Elul (אלול) is also read as an acronym of the words Ish L’Re’eihu Umatanos La’Evyonim (איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים)—“each person to his fellow, and gifts to the destitute,” the initial letters spelling אלול. This phrase comes from the Megillah, where it says we are supposed to give gifts to one another and also give gifts to the poor—Matonos Le’Evyonim. This is not just about Purim; it reflects a deeper message about how we relate to others during Elul.
3. Understanding the Concept of ‘Evyon’
The term ‘poor’ has various levels in Torah terminology. An Evyon expresses someone who truly has nothing at all. There is a difference between an Oni—a poor person—and an Evyon, who lacks everything and therefore needs everything. It is not that he needs only one thing or something big; he simply needs everything because he possesses nothing.
4. The Call for Compassion and Tzedakah in Elul
This understanding leads us to why Elul is a time for Ish L’Re’ehu—caring for one another. People often feel that introspection or doing good in Elul means focusing on Hashem, Torah, and mitzvos. But the Rebbe teaches that we must also be kinder to our friends, increase our giving of tzedakah, and become more sensitive and compassionate toward others during this month.
5. Our Status Before Hashem: All Are Evyonim
The Rebbe explains that next to Hashem, all of us are considered like an Evyon—a destitute person with nothing. Whatever we think we have, compared to Hashem it amounts to nothing. We are all in need before Him.
6. Hashem Mirrors Our Actions
If Hashem instructs us to give tzedakah and gifts to the poor during Elul, He Himself acts accordingly. As it says, Magid dvarav l’Yaakov, chukav u’mishpatav l’Yisroel—He tells Yaakov His words, His statutes and judgments to Yisroel—meaning whatever He commands us, He does Himself as well. It is not just a directive for us alone.
7. The Promise of Divine Generosity in Elul
If Hashem tells us that Elul is a time for Ish L’Re’ehu Umatonos Le’Evyonim, then He too gives gifts to those who are poor—and since we are all considered Evyonim before Him, Hashem will certainly give us everything we need in the month of Elul. This is part of the unique spiritual energy of this time.