Questions tagged [elul]
Sixth month in the Jewish year
16
questions
7
votes
8
answers
1k
views
Sefarim to learn in Elul
Which sefarim are traditionally learned in Elul*, because they have a special significance to the mood and message of the month?
*Or even without a tradition, which sefarim are good to learn during ...
- 19.2k
10
votes
1
answer
283
views
Rosh HaShanah for Under 20
As mentioned in this question, Shabbos 89b states that the heavenly Beis Din does not punish people under 20. Why is to be discussed there.
My question is regarding Elul and the Yamim Noraim. Is ...
- 34.7k
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
When do we start reciting Psalm 27?
Yesterday being the 30th of Av (and Rosh Chodesh Elul), prompted a question at shul: exactly when do we start saying Psalm 27—on the first day of Elul or the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul? Most ...
- 818
6
votes
4
answers
3k
views
What parts of selichot can be said without a minyan?
Suppose attending a minyan for selichot is impossible in the week before Rosh Hashannah. Which parts of selichot can be said without a minyan, and which parts must be omitted?
- 25k
4
votes
0
answers
241
views
Elul Cheshbon HaNefesh
How does one make a Cheshbon HaNefesh during Elul. I'm aware of the technique given in Sefer Cheshbon HaNefesh, but that is intended (and set up as) as a year round exercise. Is there anything more ...
- 11k
3
votes
1
answer
185
views
Selichos start: Ashkinazim vs. Sefardim
Why do Sefardim start saying Sleichos earlier than Ashkinazim?
- 688
12
votes
2
answers
818
views
Yachid blowing shofar during Elul
During the first few days of Elul, I will be away in a city with no minyan. I have a shofar, but was wondering whether a yachid blows a shofar if possible.
On the one hand, the reasoning exists, but ...
- 28.3k
10
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What is the reason behind blowing the shofar from the side of one's mouth?
I've been told that the custom is to blow the shofar from the sides of one mouth, rather than like blowing a trumpet. What is the source for this custom and the reasoning behind it?
- 16.1k
10
votes
2
answers
5k
views
What type of nuts may not be eaten during Elul?
Many have a custom not to eat nuts during elul, because אגוז is gematria חטא (sin). So what exactly is considered nuts? Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios, Macadamian, Hazelnuts, Pecans? How about Peanuts (...
- 38.7k
8
votes
1
answer
408
views
When to say LeDovid HaShem Ori in a minyan with different nusach
I daven Nusach Ashkenaz saying “LeDovid HaShem Ori” at Shacharis and Maariv.
Q1 If I daven Mincha with a Minyan which says “LeDovid HaShem Ori” at Mincha, should I say it with them? (I assume yes, ...
- 48.4k
6
votes
4
answers
415
views
What is the source and reason for saying L’Dovid during Elul and most of Tishrei?
The minhag I've seen in Ashkenazi synagogues is to say L’Dovid (Tehillim 27) morning and evening, from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Shemini Atzeres. The earliest source I can find for this is the Mishnah ...
- 34.7k
4
votes
5
answers
582
views
Feeling overwhelmed with too much teshuva to do
I'm having practical difficulty with something that seems to be a contradiction to me.
On the one hand, we're told that practical advice for Elul/RH/YK is to take on a single small thing to improve on,...
- 3,134
2
votes
1
answer
235
views
Should one recite Mourner's Kaddish between the daily Psalm and Psalm 27?
I've seen different activities done in two Nusach Ashkenaz shuls at the end of SHacahrit between 1 Elul and Shmini Atzeret.
One shul says two Mourner's Kaddish - one after the daily Psalm and another ...
- 71.2k
2
votes
2
answers
412
views
Why does Nusach Ashkenaz say Ledovid after Maariv?
According to my understanding, Nusach Sefard says Ledovid Hashem Ori after Shacharis and Mincha while Nusach Ashkenaz seems to say it after Shacharis and Maariv. Why this difference?
[I wrote the ...
- 38.7k
1
vote
1
answer
209
views
When do sefardim begin reciting selihot?
Since rosh hodesh Elul is a mini-holiday do you need to wait till the day after rosh hodesh or do sefardim begin saying selihot on the first of Elul?
- 13.3k
1
vote
5
answers
436
views
what is good teshuva book [closed]
Elul and Yom Kippur are flying by fast. I am looking for something uplifting.
Books on teshuva are usually quite depressing; too much talk about gehinom.
Not that it's not good, just that it doesn't ...
- 21.5k