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Jewish observance of the month of Elul

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2026-08-16 22:12 UTC → 2026-08-16 22:14 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Jewish month of Elul is a period of spiritual preparation and introspection preceding the High Holy Days, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Characterized by themes of compassion, repentance (teshuvah), and self-examination, the month is often linked to the revelation of the Thirteen Attributes of Compassion. Observances include the determination of the molad (new moon moment) to set the month’s start; for the upcoming cycle, the molad is set for Thursday, 13 August at 8:15 a.m. solar time in Jerusalem. The reading of Parashat Re'eh, which emphasizes the choice between blessing and curse, also traditionally falls near this time. Practitioners engage in various spiritual and practical customs. These include meditation, silence, and seeking forgiveness from others to make direct amends for transgressions. Religious traditions differ regarding the recitation of Selichos (supplications): Sefardic custom typically begins at the start of Elul, while Ashkenazic custom generally begins on the Sunday preceding Rosh Hashanah. Additionally, the period is used for practical religious ~~maintenance, such as~~ maintenance. Machon STaM emphasizes the importance of checking the physical integrity of tefillin and ~~mezuzos.~~ mezuzos, noting that environmental factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the ink, parchment, and internal components over time.

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