Page 13 - FEST

Growing in Elul

Only

E lul is here. This month begins the period of
introspection and repentance that extends
through the holy days of Tishre, concluding with
Simhat Torah. It is a time for us to reflect on what Hashem
truly wants of us.

What does Hashem want? The question, and the answer,
are in the Torah: “And now, Israel, what does Hashem your
G-d ask of you? Only to fear Hashem your G-d.”1

The Sages derive an important principle from Hashem’s
one request of the Jewish people: “Everything is in the
hands of Heaven, with the exception of the fear of Heaven.”2
Whatever we have in this world is determined by Hashem,
including our health, family, spouse, finances, and more.
The sole element in our control is the extent of our fear of
Heaven, and that is why it is all He asks of us; “only” that is

1. Devarim 10:12.
2. Berachot 33b; Rashi, Devarim 10:12.

3