Today is the 18th of Elul (Chai Elul), Chai in Hebrew is life and this is the day in which Elul infuses life into the month. The last twelve days of Elul correspond to the twelve months of the year. On each of these twelve days we have the ability to reflect on and amend any shortcomings in the corresponding month of the last year. Elul 18 corresponds to the first month of the year (Tishrei); Elul 19 corresponds to the second month of the year (Cheshvan) and so on.
Also today is the birthday of the two great luminaries, the Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760) the founder of the Chassidic Movement and of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812) the founder of “Chabad” branch of Chassidism and the author of The Tanya. From 60 Days A Spiritual Guide To The High Holidays by Rabbi Simon Jacobson
