A king is usually almost inaccessible. Many levels of protocol govern and control potential applicants for an audience. An exception to this is when the king leaves his palace and goes on a "walkabout". Sometimes the king leaves the city entirely and goes out with his entourage to the countryside, meeting the country folk in the fields.

At this time an atmosphere of conviviality and informality prevails. The king is in a good mood. His shining, smiling face is shown to all. Without the limitations of protocol, pomp and circumstance, the ordinary "man in the street" can come to great the king. Returning to the capital everyone, town and country folk, accompany the king back to his palace.

The Sages tell us this is the mood of the month of Elul. At this time G-d is like the king in the field. During the rest of the year, to be sure, a person can always speak to G-d. Yet in the month of Elul there is an even greater feeling of contact. At this time G-d is particularly accessible to all. The Sages tell us that at this time of year it is easier to feel a sense of commitment to Judaism, to take that little step which previously seemed so hard.

It is truly a heaven-sent opportunity. The King is there. He is available. He is only waiting for us to make the first move. It is up to us. Even a modest resolve to improve in some area of Jewish observance is significant: whether Torah learning, Prayer, Charity, daily mitzvot, or kindness to others. For our King, every detail is important. And He blesses us, with a New Year of goodness and sweetness, materially and also spiritually.

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