The month before Rosh Hashanah, taught Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, is a precious month. For thirty days, you can find the Ultimate King awaiting you outside the city, on a rustic path that winds through an empty meadow. What’s the advantage of meeting the King in a meadow? Because when you meet the King in His palace of the Days of Awe from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, much stands between you and Him—the carpet, the throne, the royal robes, the protocol, the language you must use, the awe and magnificence of the palace… But in the field, the King wears...

In the month of Elul, the month before Rosh Hashanah, a signal goes out to every Jewish soul that it is time to return to the palace that is home. It is a signal both subtle and loud. Subtle, because it does not awaken even those who are closest—every soul must awaken itself. Loud, because it reaches those who have been thrown to the edge of the universe. Loud, because it is a signal of love and joy. Subtle, because it is an intimately personal call. Loud, because it provides immeasurable powers to break out of whatever holds you back, lift you above all obstacles, and carry you all the way...