Rosh Chodesh Elul – Make this One Different

Its the Elul time of year, bein hazmanim is over, and life is back to routine – all over again. Another zman, another limud, but the same old routine. But this time, let’s try something different. Instead of allowing another zman to drift through with the same result, do something remarkable. It’s a short zman, and if it doesn’t work, you can always go back to the old system in just 8 short weeks.

Here’s what we are going to do. Pick something you always wanted to learn and make it your project. A short topic that is not too easy, but is something that makes your heart race with excitement. It can be anything in Torah, even something out of the ordinary (some examples for inspiration purposes only – Hilchos Kiddush HaChodesh, dateline, Ramban’s Shaar Hagmul).

Once you’ve selected the topic, now write it down. Nothing is more effective than a written goal stating your aim to master this topic by Erev Yom Kippur. For now, don’t worry if you will actually complete your goal, focus instead on making a target to aim for. Take a notebook and start writing notes. Not chiddushim, just notes. Before you start learning the next day, review what you did yesterday. If you have a few minutes before maariv starts, review what you’ve learned that day.

Nothing about all this remarkable, except for one thing. If you follow through on this, you’ll have the best zman you’ve ever had in a long time. And that will indeed be truly remarkable.

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Filed Under: Limud HaTorah • Self Improvement

Tags: elul zman