Since the month of Elul started, we have been waiting for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Sephardim started Selichot a few weeks ago. Ashkenazim started to blow the shofar. Finally, all of us are in the same place of saying Selichot and blowing the Shofar. But, why—no matter who you are—did we start saying Selichot or blowing the shofar in Elul? What is the point? Why not just wait for the holidays?

Like anything in life, preparation is key. Imagine going to an interview for a job, but not only didn’t you prepare for the interview, you also didn’t know what the job was for. We have a unique opportunity to stand in front of Hashem and ask Him to forgive and inscribe us in His good books. If we didn’t take the time to prepare and start hearing the shofar and saying Selichot, we would go into Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur like that person being interviewed. Hashem, our God, King, Father and Spouse—among many other things—is allowing us to speak to Him—one-on-one—and change our fate; are we not going to go prepared? I urge you all to prepare for the holiday and give you a bracha that you don’t only recite the words of Selichot and listen to the shofar, but you understand and feel what you are saying.

May you all have a Shana Tova U’metukah and be written in all the great books that Hashem has!