It's Elul...and the King is in the field...yeah, so what?

                     Yes, it's Elul and as we like to say: "The King is in the field" - which means that HaShem (God) is more accessible to us then at any other time of the year.  It's described almost as if Avinu Shebashamayim (Our Father in Heaven) has 'left' His 'Palace,' or gotten off His 'thrown' and He is coming to us.  We no longer have to approach Him...HaShem is coming to us!  

                    It is THE time of the year that people actually seem to obsess about 'Tshuva' - translated typically as 'repentance' - but more accurately - 'Returning' or better yet - to 'Turn Toward' (back to where they should have been heading...).  Well, they TALK about it...but I am not so sure that people are always thinking about making lasting changes in their behavior, and that's why I have an issue with it....

      Tefila - truly heartfelt prayer is certainly the heart of ANY potential change (or 'return') to what should be our state of being and action(s).  But, why make such a big deal about HaShem "being in the field" if in the end, WE really don't want to change?   Yes, we for sure want to avoid the consequences for actions (or LACK of action...) - but do we REALLY want to change?  Are we ready to DO the things that HaShem has spelled out for us?   

     Come on...I mean even those really, REALLY hard things?  When we say our tefilot (prayers), are we asking HaShem for the strength and focus to stand up for Israel and (and alongside) the Jewish people?   Are we even willing to consider putting aside our personal desires, comforts and interests in order to focus on what HaShem considers IMPORTANT?   

        When HaShem repeatedly speaks of HIS Chosen Land throughout the Torah, why is it that so many now think they can simply nod and ignore it?   At a time when the threats to the State of Israel AND to Jews all over the world have reached a CRISIS level...where is OUR feeling of a 'state of emergency?'  HaShem is indeed in "the field" - and actually He is ALWAYS accessible to us - but do we truly long for that dialogue with Him?   Do we just want to ask for what are OUR priorities?  Or, are we willing to dedicate ourselves for HIS priorities?  

          Just because visiting Israel isn't an option right now, does that mean that we no longer need to be those "Watchmen on the Walls?!"  This world situation has more opportunities for distractions then ever before - which provides the perfect opportunity for us to refocus on HIS priorities...

         Let's approach HaShem THIS year with a new attitude - let's show that we understand HIS priorities and are actually willing to DO something about it.  For all who view themselves as part of HaShem's people, as part of Israel - dare we do anything less?  

                          With Brachot from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,

                                         HANOCH