Month Of Elul

Rosh Chodesh Elul

Rosh Chodesh Elul marks the beginning of the “Di Heilige Teig” (The Holy Days) when a feeling of awe descends upon the Court of Belz. Hundreds of Chassidim and Yeshiva students will join the Rebbe in prayer in the Big Shul at the start of this special month. Over the course of the coming weeks, tens of thousands of people will congregate here to pour out their hearts in prayer, as they head into the new year.

Blowing The Shofar

After morning prayers during the month of Elul, and on Rosh Hashana, the arousing sound of the shofar, blown by the Rebbe, will be heard in the Court of Belz. The shofar blast inspires hearts and minds toward Teshuva during the month of Elul, as it signals the approach of Rosh Hashana and the urgency of preparation for the Day of Judgment.

The New Zman

The first day of Elul marks the beginning of a new semester for Yeshiva students who will return from their summer break to the Yeshivas of Belz. Elul is also the time of year when hundreds of new students will arrive from various countries around the world, including the USA, UK, Canada, and even Australia, to join the Yeshivas of Belz in Israel. There they will study for the next few years until they’re ready to marry and build families of their own.

Words of Guidance

After davening on Rosh Chodesh Elul, the Rebbe ascends the steps of the majestic Aron Kodesh to speak words of encouragement and guidance to thousands of Yeshiva students who fill the Big Shul. The Rebbe inspires them to grow in Torah and service of Hashem, as well as to strengthen their interpersonal traits, and to be there for one another. The Rebbe then gives a bracha to the students that they should have much success in the new zman.

Passing the Rebbe

After the Rebbe finishes inspiring the students, they file passed the Rebbe to “gezegen” (say farewell) and to be wished “A Git Chodesh” (a good month) before boarding the waiting buses and heading out to the Yeshivas spread out around Israel. Now, the students who have arrived from countries abroad will approach the Rebbe to give “Shulem” (Welcome) and to receive a personal bracha from the Rebbe.