Month Of Elul

Visits from other Rabbonim

Throughout the month of Elul many Rabbonim and Community Leaders will visit the Rebbe in his home. They will make a Lechaim and wish one another a Kesiva Vechasima Tova” (a happy new year). During these visits, they engage in Torah discussions and talk about the Minhagim (customs) that are practiced during the Yamim Naroim (Days of Awe). The Rebbe too will visit other Rebbes and Rabbonim to wish them a Kesiva Vechasima Tova before the new year.

Prayers of the Children

While the pure tefilos of young children always have a special quality, they are most powerful in the days of Elul. During this month thousands of young children from multiple schools around Jerusalem will gather in the Big Shul to recite Tehilim and special prayers for the merit of the Jewish Nation in the upcoming year. This event is extremely heartwarming and inspiring.

The First Day of Selichos

As is known, the end forms the beginning. In Belz, the Yamim Noraim begin on the first day of Selichos. In the early hours of the Sunday before the week of Rosh Hashana, thousands of Chassidim from around Israel will join the Rebbe in prayer. The Big Shul gets packed to the rafters and a hushed silence descends as the Rebbe enters the Shul to begin the Selichos.

The Special Tefillos

The Rebbe begins the Selichos prayers with an emotion filled voice. Tears are shed by many as thousands sway to and fro in deep prayer. Being with the Rebbe at this occasion gives one a sense of awe, and a feeling that he is standing by his father’s side and being assured that all his physical and spiritual needs will be met.

Shacharis and Tehillim

After Selichos concludes, Shacharis commences. All the prayers of this day are recited with extra emotion, as feelings of awe and holiness begin to set in. Later in the day, the Big Shul will fill yet again and the entire Tehillim will be recited. When reciting the special prayer upon completing the book of Tehillim, the Rebbe sheds copious tears, as he begs Hashem to have mercy on the Jewish Nation and to bless them in the coming year.