How to prepare for Rosh Hashanah

Because there is so much at stake spiritually during Rosh Hashanah, we make preparations beginning a full month earlier. At Rosh Chodesh Elul, or the start of the new month of Elul, we begin to stir with anticipation for this day of spiritual renewal. We set out our spiritual provisions by readying our minds for prayer and our hearts for forgiveness and by doing whatever we can to attain God's compassion and mercy when the Day of Judgment arrives.

Blowing the Shofar Before Rosh Hashanah

The most prominent feature of the month of Elul is the sounding of the shofar each morning, except on Shabba...