Elul is the twelfth and final month of the Hebrew calendar year, serving as a period of spiritual reflection and preparation for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In 2025, Elul begins at sundown on Saturday, August 23, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 22, 2025, according to the Hebrew calendar year 5785. This month is traditionally observed as a time for introspection, repentance, and increased devotion, setting the tone for the upcoming Days of Awe.
Understanding the Timing of Elul
The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, meaning months are based on lunar cycles, and years are aligned with the solar year. Elul, being the twelfth month, typically falls in late summer to early fall in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, Elul spans from August 23 to September 22, aligning with the transition from summer into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. This timing is significant as it precedes the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which in 2025 begins at sundown on Monday, September 22.
Rosh Chodesh Elul
The first day of Elul, known as Rosh Chodesh Elul, marks the beginning of the month. In 2025, Rosh Chodesh Elul begins at sundown on Saturday, August 23, and concludes at nightfall on Monday, August 25. This period is considered a time of heightened spiritual awareness, where individuals are encouraged to engage in self-examination and seek forgiveness for past transgressions. The sounding of the shofar during this time serves as a call to repentance and spiritual awakening.
Spiritual Significance of Elul
Elul is traditionally viewed as a month of mercy and forgiveness, offering individuals an opportunity to return to God through repentance (teshuvah), prayer, and charity. The customs observed during Elul include
- Daily Shofar BlowingThe shofar is sounded each weekday morning (except Shabbat) to awaken the soul and inspire reflection.
- Increased PrayerMany engage in additional prayers and recite special Psalms, focusing on themes of repentance and renewal.
- Acts of CharityGiving to those in need is emphasized as a means of atoning for past misdeeds and fostering compassion.
- Personal ReflectionIndividuals are encouraged to assess their actions over the past year, seek forgiveness from others, and make amends where necessary.
These practices aim to prepare individuals spiritually for the High Holidays, fostering a mindset of humility, gratitude, and readiness for the coming year.
Chai Elul
On the 18th of Elul, known as Chai Elul, the Jewish community commemorates the birthdays of two influential Chasidic leaders Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chasidic movement, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chasidism. This day is celebrated with teachings and gatherings that emphasize the spiritual teachings and legacy of these leaders, highlighting the themes of joy, faith, and the inner dimensions of Torah study.
Preparing for Rosh Hashanah
The culmination of Elul is the onset of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which in 2025 begins at sundown on Monday, September 22. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, a period leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are considered the Days of Awe, a time for deep introspection, prayer, and seeking reconciliation with both God and fellow human beings.
As Elul concludes, individuals are encouraged to enter the High Holidays with a renewed sense of purpose, having engaged in the spiritual practices of the month. The transition from Elul to Rosh Hashanah signifies a shift from personal reflection to communal celebration, marking the beginning of a new year in the Jewish tradition.
In 2025, Elul begins on Saturday evening, August 23, and concludes on Monday evening, September 22, according to the Hebrew calendar year 5785. This month serves as a sacred time for Jewish individuals to engage in self-examination, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays. Through customs such as daily shofar blowing, increased prayer, acts of charity, and personal reflection, Elul offers a structured opportunity to assess one’s actions and seek forgiveness, paving the way for a meaningful observance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.