Elul: A Measure of Desire

“God, your Lord, will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6) The first letters of “Your heart and the heart of your seed” – Et Livavecha V’et L’vav  – spell Elul.

God observes a person’s efforts over the year. He watches for the one who strives to “Love God with all your heart and all your soul.” When a person, who may very well rise up only to fall, strives to attain a heart full of love of God, He will circumcise the man’s heart so that he may attain a more consistent love.

God’s participation reflects the man’s desires. (Yismach Moshe)