Making the First Move

During times of war, each and every one of us must go to battle.  Prayer is one of the many powerful weapons in our arsenal.

Learning to share our most powerful emotions with Hashem can greatly enhance our connection and moments of formal prayer.

The custom of blowing the shofar throughout the month of Elul is designed to prepare us for the month of Tishrei, although not necessarily in the way we assume. 

This is a time of year during which we seek divine assistance in many different areas.  Perhaps more importantly though, we must remember to show up and claim the blessings that come our way.

Our Elul and Tishrei prayers include a special daily reminder that, in life, the only thing to fear is fear itself.

The month of Elul is a time period marked with distinction - and not merely because it precedes the month of Tishrei. Its special quality provides us with a unique focus for prayer.

The month of Elul invites us to demonstrate initiative in our quest to reconnect with Hashem - and prayer provides us with the perfect opportunities to do so.  

The period of the three weeks offers us a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the present. 

Looking up and reminding ourselves to whom we should always direct our hopes and prayers is the greatest segulah in the world.

The birchos hashachar, recited every morning, serve as 15 unique prompts, directing our minds and hearts to heightened awareness.