Elul (Aug.28) — First day of the month of Elul, second day of Rosh Chodesh. Starting this day, the shofar will be blown after Morning Prayers every weekday this month, except the last day.
Ascent’s 39th Birthday!
Elul (Aug.29) First saying of Selichot each weekday morning until Erev Yom Kippur, in Sephardic tradition.
Elul (Sep.2-3) –– Shabbat Shoftim. Torah Reading: Deut. 16:18 -21:9, Haftorah- Isaiah 51:12-52:12. Pirkei Avot: Chapter 6
Elul (Sep. 9-10) — Shabbat Ki Teitzei. Torah Reading: Deut. 21:10-25:19, Haftorah-Isaiah 54:1-54:10. Pirkei Avot: Chapter 1-2.
Elul (Sept.13-14) — Birth of the Ba’al Shem Tov (1698-1760), founder of the Chasidic movement. Birth of the Ba’al HaTanya, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), founder of Chabad Chasidut. The yahrzeit of the Maharal of Prague.
Elul (Sept.16-17) — Shabbat Ki Tavo. Torah Reading: Deut. 26:1-29:8; Haftorah Isaiah 60. Pirkei Avot: Chapter 3 & 4.
Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night) the beginning of the saying of Selichot prayers according to Ashkenazi custom.
Elul (Sep. 23-24) — Shabbat Netsavim Shabbat Mevarchim*, Torah Reading: Deut. 29:9-30:20; Haftorah: Isaiah 61:10-63:9 (7th of the Seven Haftorahs of Consolation); Pirkei Avot: Chapter 5 & 6.
*Every last Shabbat of the month, a special prayer is said as part of the morning service, blessing the coming month. The last Shabbat of the month of Elul however, we do not say this prayer, since the month of Tishrei which begins with Rosh HaShanah, is blessed by G-d Himself, thereby investing us with the power to bless the other months of the year.
Elul (Sept.25) — Eve of ROSH HASHANA. Long Selichot; annulment of vows; ask forgiveness of whomever necessary.
MAY YOU HAVE A SPIRITUALLY CLEANSING MONTH OF ELUL!