If you plant it, it will grow

No one in their right mind would attempt to plant a tomato plant in the sand by the ocean. Neither could a Cocoa Tree live or even thrive in beautiful sunny Syracuse! Clearly, climate and soil have a great impact on the success of any type of vegetation.

On a spiritual level, the same principles are in effect. The book MESILOT CHOCHMA V’MUSSAR points out the climate found in the Hebrew month of Elul is ideal for the soul. During this month the soul finds the idyllic growing conditions on a metaphysical plane. The month of Elul is unlike any other month on the Lunar calendar.

During this month, the soul is fed, nurtured, enriched and enhanced. All this is critical for its entry into the New Year on the first day of Tishrei. Many refer to Tishrei as the month of devotion. This month we are presented with more mitzvot than any other segment of time on the calendar. The scales of Divine judgment are placed before each one of us. We are praying to be written and sealed in the Book of Life!

Every Jews needs to be properly prepared and spiritually sharpened to face the Days of Awe. Take advantage of the month of Elul and use it to your advantage. All we need to do is to look at the Book of Psalms by King David:

וְהָיָה כְּעֵץ שָׁתוּל עַל־פַּלְגֵי־מָיִם אֲשֶׁר פִּרְיוֹ יִתֵּן בְּעִתּוֹ וְעָלֵהוּ לֹא־יִבּוֹל וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂה יַצְלִיחַ׃

It is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, whose foliage never fades, and whatever it produces thrives.

Please God, let this Elul be a productive growing season for all! Let the fruits of our labor bear its fruit in the New Year!