We have now entered a new zone. The month of Elul has started, the month that precedes the High holidays. 40 days from now we will be in the aura of Yom Kippur. These 40 days are a very exceptional period of time.  These moments present a unique chance for change and growth.

The number 40 is found many times in Jewish history as a timeframe for transition and renewal. The flood in the times of Noah was for 40 days and nights. The Jewish people spent 40 years in the desert before the transition into the Land of Israel. Whenever Moses went up to Mount Sinai to interface with G-d, it was for 40 days.

When it comes to progress in life, we also find the number 40 becoming a common theme.

The Talmud says that a diligent student of Torah can become a Halachic authority only once one has reached the age of 40. And in Prayer, after 40 days, a Prayer has more power to break through the gates of heaven.

The same thing applies to our  40 day period until Yom Kippur. We can take this time and begin a new shift in our life that can take hold and become second nature.

One of the early great Chassidic masters R’ Elimelech of Lizensk writes, “One who is born with a nature of stubbornness, should break his nature for 40 consecutive days by doing the opposite of what comes to mind. Similarly, one who is naturally lazy, should train himself for 40 consecutive days to do everything with diligence, whether going to bed or waking up in the morning.”

It takes 40 days for real change.

Wishing everyone a Shana Tova Umetuka,
Happy sweet new year.