G-d gave a great gift to His people: the month of Elul. This is the last month of the year, which ends on the eve of Rosh Hashanah. The tzaddikim (righteous individuals) of previous generations referred to the month of Elul as the "month of compassion and Selichot" and explained that during that month, the Gates of Heaven are open, and the Holy One, blessed be He, wholeheartedly welcomes those who return to Him more than at any other time of the year.

People often choose to go for all or nothing.

"I will never be a big tzaddik . I will not become Baba Sali! So why try? Let me continue to act according to my desires, I will never be able to change my behavior! "

This is a big mistake. Every person, in every situation, in every place and at every age, can and must improve his behavior before the Day of Judgment. Imagine a thief summoned to court, and just before entering the courtroom, he steals an apple from a stall at the market near the courthouse. If the judge was informed, he would be very angry. Not only are you stealing, but you're doing it on the way to court?

It is true that we are coming before the Master of the world with a less than perfect CV. Many of us have behaved in a less than praiseworthy way, to say the least. But at least let us show Hashem that we respect the court, and that we have a desire to improve ourselves, even somewhat.

We can make a small commitment, such as reading a chapter of the Tehillim every day or trying to give some tzedakah at least once a week. One can also commit to read the first paragraph of Kriat Shema every morning or light candles before Shabbat. Each according to his strengths and possibilities. These are small commitments, easy to accomplish, and it is possible to achieve them without changing our way of life, or moving to Meah Shearim (very religious neighborhood in Jerusalem).

In the merit of this commitment, may we be all inscribed in the Book of Life for a good and sweet year, with all the Jewish people, Amen.