The month of Av, whose sign is Leo, has intense contradictions. On the one hand, the first half contains so much destruction while rebounding with its glowing light after the 15th of the month.  

The month of Elul is one of auspicious change. It is the month to dream, plan, and execute everything that propels us forward.

It is also the end of the Summer and the month of August, and the beginning of the new school year in September. 

On this Shabbat, we bless the new moon of Elul; therefore, this Shabbat has the great potential to synthesize both energies.

This week's Parsha is Re'eh, which means "to see." The Torah says, "You shall see today that I place in front of you blessings and a curse." We are taught about the power of discernment, choice, and the power of good vs bad. 

The world often feels like a trapped existence which we can not change our prediciments and reality. How do we break through the matrix?

In this teaching we explore the profound Torah of the B'Nai Ysaschar, Rav Tzadok Ha'Cohen of Lublin and the Lubavitcher Rebbe for a deep understanding of the transaction of the months of Tammuz and Av to the auspicious month of Elul.

Elul is a doorway and a portal in time that allows us to see that every situation we are placed in is exact. Once we find the door or gate, we can walk through to the other side and witness that everything is HIM. 

There are many ideas here and it is worthwhile to lesson to the full class. The beginning is a bit technical, yet we culminate with the simple yet profound lesson of working on our mind and heart as we find the doorway and opportunities that Hashem is giving us ✨