The forty days from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur are called Yemei Ratzon, Days of Desire. This is because these forty days are an auspicious time for coming close to Hashem and doing teshuva (repenting). It is during this time, more than any other, that God desires our repentance and closeness.
During these weeks, there are certain acts that we do to help us do teshuva and to connect back with Hashem. For example, we blow the shofar every morning and we add phrases to the amidah (silent Shemoneh Esrei prayer) between Rosh Hashanna and Yom Kippur. We also recite Psalm 27 after the morning and afternoon prayers from the first day of the month of Elul right through the Holiday of Shemini Atzeres.
Psalm 27 - Have No Fear
This chapter in Psalms is very pertinent because besides from being one of my favorites, it is also all about Bitachon! (Maybe that is why I have always liked it so much!)
Dovid Hamelech (King David) begins by proclaiming:
Hashem is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Hashem is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
The Malbim (Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yechiel Michel Weiser, 1809-1879) explains that Divine Providence is brought about through clinging to Hashem. One who attaches himself to Hashem will find that Hashem’s constant watchfulness and protection will attach themselves to him.
One who trusts in Hashem does not need to fear. A righteous person will not be harmed, except in a momentary lapse of connection to Hashem or His service.
I remember learning in school that Dovid Hamelech knew he was destined to die on a Shabbos. He also knew that the Angel of Death had no power to harm him as long as he was studying Torah. Therefore, he made sure to study Torah the entire Shabbos long; in this way he could not die!
Hashem caused Dovid to lose his step and fall. He momentarily stopped studying Torah, and only because of this momentary lapse was the Angel of Death able to perform his duty.
Hashem is My Salvation . . . They Will Stumble and Fall
Dovid Hamelech continues to say that he will not fear those enemies who come to harm him. Rather, they will stumble and fall. If they wage war against him, Dovid says, his heart will not fear because he trusts in Hashem.
The Malbim notes that Dovid tells us “ … they will stumble and fall” and not “I will overcome them.” Even if King David does nothing to them, they will fall on their own because “Hashem is the strength of my life”. It is God, not Dovid, who will cause the salvation.
Our One Desire
Dovid Hamelech goes on to say (verse 4):
I have only one request from Hashem which I seek: to live in the House of Hashem all my days of my life …
A man’s needs are constantly changing throughout his life. What he asks for today may be different from what he requested yesterday or what he may require tomorrow.
The one need which remains constant, the Malbim explains, is the need to be close to Hashem. It is through this need that all our other needs are met. This is what Dovid means when he says, “I have only one request” - only one request that is always. That one constant need is “to dwell in the House of Hashem” - in other words, to be close to Hashem.
Practical Bitachon
Take advantage of this special time.
Teshuva, Tefillah, and Tzedaka (repentance, prayer, and charity) remove the evil of the decree. Try to do something in each of these areas that is more than what you were doing before, keeping in mind the goal of coming closer to Hashem. Bitachon is all about feeling that closeness to Hashem; what better time than now to take action!
Teshuva (repentance): Choose something small but measurable that you can improve upon in these weeks. Map out a plan by identifying specific action steps. By choosing something that is manageable, you increase your chances for success. This success will provide an excellent foundation to build upon.
Tefillah (prayer): If you don’t already pray, commit to praying a little bit every day throughout the holiday season. Choose a prayer with which you are already familiar, such as Shema or Modeh Ani (first prayer upon awakening), or choose a new prayer to learn. You can always talk to Hashem in your own words. Thank Him for what you have, ask Him for what you need.
If you do daven (pray) daily, learn the meaning of a Tefillah that you don’t already know well. Focus or concentrate on a particular part of davening and try extra hard to avoid distracting thoughts. Daven for someone else. Pray that Hashem bring you closer to Him!
Tzedaka (charity): At this time of the year, we all try to give a little more Tzedaka than usual. Choose a Jewish cause that is meaningful to you and donate your money and/or time.
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