Definition

1. Noun:
   • The twelfth month of the civil year in the Jewish calendar: Elul is the month preceding the High Holy Days.
   • The sixth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar: In the religious cycle, it is the sixth month, occurring in late summer (August and September in the Gregorian calendar).

Usage

• Elul is a period dedicated to introspection, repentance (teshuvah), and spiritual preparation for the upcoming holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
• It is traditionally a time for increased prayer, charity, and seeking forgiveness.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The month of Elul is a time for sincere reflection.
  • Many Jewish communities begin sounding the shofar each weekday morning during Elul.

Advanced Usage

• "The month of Elul": The standard phrasing to refer to this specific time period.
  • We enter the month of Elul with solemnity and purpose.
• "Elul introspection": Refers to the specific spiritual work associated with this month.
  • Her Elul introspection led to meaningful personal changes.

Variants and Related Words

• Ellul: An alternate spelling for the same month.
• Tishrei: The following month in the Jewish calendar, which includes the High Holy Days.

Synonyms

• Twelfth month (civil): Describes its position in one count of the Jewish year.
• Sixth month (ecclesiastical): Describes its position in the other count of the Jewish year.

Related Phrases

• "Repentance in Elul": A common concept highlighting the month's primary theme.
  • Repentance in Elul is a communal and individual process.
• "Elul prayers": Refers to the special supplications (Slichot) recited during this period.
  • The congregation gathered for the late-night Elul prayers.

Noun

1. the twelfth month of the civil year; the sixth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in August and September)