Elul is one of the most spiritual periods of the year for Jewish communities across the world. Coming just before the Jewish New Year and major holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, Elul is an important month of introspection and self-evaluation, when Jews practice cheshbon ha’nefesh, an “accounting of the spirit,” by reflecting on the past year. This process of deep introspection is an important annual ritual of sincere repentance and atonement, both pivotal themes underpinning Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The shofar is blown daily as an awakening to repent.