Most probably everyone is familiar with the Alter Rebbe’s Maamer in Likkutei Torah titled “Ani Ledodi V’Dodi Li”. Chassidus explains that there is major difference between the way we serve Hashem in the month of Nissan compared to the month Elul. This difference is characterized in two pesukim. One pasuk reads; “Dodi Li v’Ani Lo- My Beloved is to me, and I to Him”. The second pasuk reads in the opposite order; “Ani l’Dodi v’Dodi Li- I am to my Beloved and my Beloved is to me”. The question asked is which order is correct? Is it upon us to initiate with our service, as it says; “Ani l’Dodi”, or is it Hashem that initiates from above, as it says; “Dodi li”.
Chassidus explains that these two opposite approaches are the difference between the service of Nissan and Elul. During Nissan, the time of Yetzias Mitzrayim, Hashem drew us out of the limitations of Mitzrayim and we responded by preparing ourselves to receive the Torah by Matan Torah. This order is “Dodi Li v’Ani Lo”. First, My Beloved is to me, He took me out of Mitzrayim. Then “v’Ani Lo”; we responded with Sefiras HaOmer and then with Naaseh v”Nishma by Matan Torah. In Elul, the order is “Ani l’Dodi”, first I draw to Hashem and then in Tishrei, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, “Dodi Li”, Hashem blesses us with a good sweet year.
A theme discussed in the Maamer in Likkutei Torah, “Ani Ledodi V’Dodi Li” is Melech Besadeh-The King is in the field. In reference to this the Alter Rebbe asks about the difference between the manner the Yud Gimmel Midos Harachimim- The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy are revealed in Elul versus Yom Kippur. Normally, the revelation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy are reserved for a Yom Kodesh, like Yom Kippur. How is it possible that in the month of Elul, which contain many regular week days, that there be a revelation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy? The Alter Rebbe answers this question with the Mashal that the month of Elul is analogous to the King being in the field while Yom Kippur is analogous to the King being in his palace. How do we best understand that difference?
The Rebbe explains in a Maamer that the experience of entering a King’s palace is impactful, and at times even overwhelming. When he sees all of the ministers and formalities of the Palace grounds, the throne, the garments and crown of the king, and ultimately the king himself, he can become completely taken in. The impact of the experience often has the effect of bringing him to a state of awe and trembling. This experience and relationship is initiated by the King himself. He is pulling us in and drawing us closer. This is analogous of the Days of Awe. The experience of these days are likened to Hashem pulling us into shul. It is a time when Hashem’s kingship is revealed. When we daven the special prayers from the machzor on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we are stirred with emotion.
When the King in the field, He wears weekday garments. It could be that he doesn’t even have a crown; one certainly doesn’t see a throne or palace. We are not being drawn in by the King’s initiation. If however, you are wise, a Chacham, you realize that he is the very same king whether or not he is surrounded by his ministers, or in the field. He is giving us an opportunity to draw close on our own. It is upon us the individual to decide that we want to get out of our own place and draw closer to the King. The King is waiting for each Yid to turn towards Him. For that purpose a revelation of the Yud Gimmel Middos Harachamim are provided. It creates an easier way for us to access the King when we choose to, as He receives us b’Sever Panim Yafos-with a Shining Countanance. It is not however in a fashion that overwhelms. Our service is to realize that Hashem is waiting for us to approach him, and then afterwards we may follow him into the palace and have the opportunity to crown him as King.
As discussed in the previous article, Elul is a time of Cheshban Hanefesh with regard to Teshuvah, Torah, Tefillah and Tzedaka. Let us avail ourselves of this opportunity and utilize these days properly to the fullest extent possible. Surely, Hashem will accept our service and everyone will be zoche to a Ksiva v’Chasimah Tovah.
ב"ה