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Elul Workshop: Spiritual Growth and Self-Improvement

Introduction

The power of this program lies in your investment.
I urge you to take full advantage of this workshop. The sole motivation is to see everyone in Am Yisroel reach their potential in their Avodat Hashem.

Understanding Your Current Experience

You may feel discouraged about your relationship with H'shem, struggling with personal issues, Emunah, Bitachon, and Tefillah. Feelings of regret, guilt, and pessimism about change are normal when beginning a journey of self-improvement. However, it's crucial not to let these feelings hinder your progress.

In a race, you'll never see a runner looking over their shoulder. They are always looking forward to the finish line. If you run forward while looking back, you won't win the race - you'll hit a wall.

The Yetzer Hara will try to discourage you, but don't let it succeed. You have the strength to overcome. The Yetzer Hara's goal isn't merely to make you stumble; it wants you to become discouraged and depressed, potentially leading you to give up entirely.

Exercises for Growth
1. Meditation on H'shem's Power

Tony Robbins says: The brain can not do two things at once. It can not simultaneously be scared and grateful. If you continuously focus on H'shem's Rachamim and make it a daily practice, you will be able to control all your fears

Close your eyes and reflect on the following:

  • H'shem is midah is Rachamim

  • The incredible events occurring in your life every minute

  • H'shem's immense power

  • The blessings H'shem has bestowed upon you today

Practice this meditation several times daily, especially before facing challenging situations. Internalize that H'shem is in control of your life and surroundings. He loves you unconditionally and will only do what's best for you. There's nothing to fear; you're always in His embrace.

2. Communication

Share your struggles and fears about starting this program with a trusted confidant and with H'shem. Choose someone who understands, loves, and encourages you—someone who can provide the support you need to make real change.

It's important to be selective about who you share your progress with. We all have people in our lives who, despite good intentions, may unintentionally bring us down or dampen our enthusiasm. You don't need to share your journey with everyone. Some people simply may not be able to offer the encouragement you need right now.

Focus on connecting with those who can genuinely celebrate your growth and provide positive reinforcement when challenges arise. Having supportive accountability makes a significant difference in sustaining meaningful change.

3. Self-Improvement

Commit to looking forward instead of backward. We all make mistakes and will continue to do so. Remember that dwelling on faults and mistakes often leads to repeating them. Forgive yourself for being human and allow yourself to move towards a better future.

4. Emunah, Bitachon & Tefillah

Begin surrendering your troubles to H'shem in your heart and prayers. Remember, you're not alone and never will be


Minhagim and Halachot of Elul and Yamim Noraim

While this program focuses on self-improvement rather than Halachic observances, these are some traditional practices that are suggested by rabbanim during Elul:

  • Recite the entire Tehillim once during Elul and again during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah

  • Recite Perek 27 (L'Dovid Hashem) in Tehillim daily, beginning the second day of Elul at the end of Shacharit, Mincha, and Maariv

  • Hear the shofar blown during the month of Elul

  • Increase Torah study and charitable giving

  • Engage in self-reflection and personal accounting (cheshbon hanefesh)

  • Ask forgiveness from those we may have wronged

  • Add Selichot special prayers for forgiveness 

  • Visit the graves of Tzadikim

  • Learn Mussar Sefarim and texts related to teshuvah

  • The 12 waking hours of each day in Elul correspond to the entire year, offering opportunities for Teshuvah

  • Be extra careful with Halacha and Oneg during the last two Shabbatot of the year, which promise health of body and soul

  • Give extra charity during Elul

  • Strive to make 100 Brachot daily


These are just a few minhagim of Elul you may wish to adopt. For more traditions and halachic information, you can pick up a sefer that deals with the laws of Elul and Yamim Noraim, as well as listen to shiurim. 

This program is designed to help you grow spiritually and improve yourself. Embrace the journey with an open heart and mind.

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