1. Dedication and Introduction to Elul
Today’s Torah and Tea is dedicated to the memory of Dov Ber, a young man who passed away at a very early age, the brother of our daughter-in-law Mendy’s wife. His parents are Schneer Zalman and Miriam Felig. May his memory be a blessing and may he serve as a good beseecher in heaven for his family and for all of Klal Yisrael, especially during these challenging times in Eretz Yisrael. We pray that Hashem should bring only good news, happiness, and peace to all.
As we begin this shiur, it is also Rosh Chodesh Elul—Gut Chodesh! The month of Elul is a time of spiritual preparation leading up to Rosh Hashanah. Although some special customs of Elul begin tomorrow (such as blowing the shofar and reciting three chapters of Tehillim daily), today we already start saying the extra chapter L'David Hashem Ori V'Yishi—“Hashem is my light and my salvation.” Even though the shofar isn’t blown in its usual way today, there is a custom to practice on the first day of Rosh Chodesh.
2. The Unique Spiritual Opportunity of Elul
The Alter Rebbe explains that during Elul there is a revelation of the Yud Gimmel Middos HaRachamim—the 13 attributes of mercy. This powerful presence means that Hashem never refuses our prayers when we invoke these attributes, as taught to Moshe Rabbeinu after the sin of the golden calf and again after the sin with the spies. These 40 days from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur are especially opportune for connecting with Hashem.
The Alter Rebbe gives a famous metaphor: In Elul, “the king is in the field.” When the king is in his palace, only distinguished individuals can approach him for important reasons. But when he goes out to the field before entering the city, everyone has access—even those without credentials or special merit. Hashem greets each person with a smiling face during this time, making it an unparalleled opportunity for connection and teshuvah—returning to Hashem.
This period was established after Moshe broke the first tablets following the sin of the golden calf. Moshe prayed for 40 days until Hashem granted forgiveness and instructed him to carve new tablets. These final 40 days began on Rosh Chodesh Elul and concluded on Yom Kippur, when Hashem declared forgiveness: “Salachti kidvarecha”—“I have forgiven as you requested.”
3. The Acronyms and Themes of Elul
The month of Elul contains several well-known acronyms that hint at its deeper meaning. The most famous is Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li—“I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me” (from Shir HaShirim). This phrase expresses our initiative in turning toward Hashem (Ani L'dodi) during Elul, which then elicits Hashem’s reciprocal closeness (V'dodi Li). It is a time for teshuvah, for seeking closeness even if we feel distant.
The work of Elul can be categorized into three pillars mentioned in Pirkei Avot: Torah, Avodah (prayer), and Gemilus Chasadim (acts of kindness). Each pillar has its own connection to Elul:
- Torah: Torah is likened to an ir miklat—a city of refuge. Just as someone who accidentally kills can flee there for protection, so too does Torah provide refuge from our own yetzer hara—evil inclination.
- Tefillah (Prayer): Prayer is called “service of the heart.” The verse “Es levavcha v'es levav”—“your heart and the heart [of your children]”—alludes to Hashem removing barriers from our hearts so we can serve Him sincerely.
- Gemilus Chasadim: Acts of kindness are referenced in Megillas Esther: “Ish l're'eihu u'matonos l'evyonim”—“a man to his friend and gifts to the poor.”
The initial letters from each phrase spell “Elul,” highlighting how this month encompasses growth in all three areas: Torah study, heartfelt prayer, and increased kindness.
4. Man as a Tree: Lessons from Parshas Shoftim
This week’s parsha contains the famous verse: “Ki ha'adam eitz hasadeh”—“For man is a tree in the field.” While Tu B'Shvat celebrates trees’ new year, Parshas Shoftim reminds us why people are compared to trees.
The comparison teaches us about growth and nurturing: just as a tree must be planted properly so it grows straight (a small bend early on leads to large distortions later), so too must people be nurtured carefully from youth. The Talmud draws further lessons by comparing scholars (Talmidei chachamim) to fruit-bearing trees: if they produce good fruit (wisdom), cherish them and learn from them. If not, one should distance oneself—a non-fruit-bearing tree may be cut down.
This metaphor extends beyond scholarship alone. The verse suggests that being like a tree isn’t just about one aspect but reflects something central about human nature.
5. Deeper Meaning: Growth Versus Life in Human Character
The world consists of four categories: inanimate objects, growing things (vegetation), living creatures (animals), and humans. Focusing on vegetation versus living beings highlights an important distinction: vegetation remains rooted in its source (the ground), while animals move freely.
Trees exemplify this rootedness more than other plants—they endure through all seasons while remaining connected to their roots. In human terms, this represents our character traits (middos). Just as trees grow but remain anchored, so too are our core character traits deeply rooted within us from birth.
A person’s intellect can grasp ideas beyond their natural tendencies, but changing one’s essential character requires significant effort—moving a tree rather than simply pruning it. It’s often easier to channel existing traits positively than fundamentally change them.
6. True Wisdom: Refinement Through Torah
The Rebbe explains that true greatness isn’t measured by intellect alone but by behavior—middos tovot, refined character traits. A proper scholar isn’t just learned but has mastered self-control over their emotions and actions.
If someone learns much Torah but uses it arrogantly or negatively toward others, they are not considered a proper fruit-bearing tree according to our parsha’s metaphor. Instead, Torah should refine us—elevating our character so we become sources of goodness for others.
This lesson challenges us not only to study but also to ensure that learning transforms us into better people whose “fruits”—kinds deeds, wisdom shared with others—nourish those around us.
7. The Eglah Arufah: Lost Potential and Responsibility
The parsha also discusses Eglah Arufah, where if someone is found murdered outside city limits with no known perpetrator, elders bring an unworked calf into an unworked valley as part of an atonement ritual. The Rebbe notes that this calf has never borne fruit or produced offspring—a symbol paralleling lost potential when someone dies prematurely without having had opportunity for impact or legacy.
This connects back to our earlier theme: every person should strive not only to live but also “bearing fruit,” whether through children, students, or positive influence on others.
8. Current Events: Mourning Losses and Praying for Justice
The tragic loss experienced by families whose loved ones were murdered by terrorists underscores these lessons powerfully today. Many victims were denied their chance at life’s fruits—families left unbuilt due to senseless violence perpetrated by those who act with cruelty beyond comprehension.
We pray that Hashem will avenge their blood justly so that such crimes do not go unanswered before any standard of decency or morality. May He bring comfort to bereaved families and peace upon Klal Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael—a world where all can live safely and fulfill their potential as fruitful trees planted by Hashem Himself.