Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

“Days of Awe.” It is during this season that devout Jews believe God is making not only major decisions concerning Israel’s forgiveness or guilt but also important decisions regarding the next twelve months. Tradition indicates that the gates of heaven are opened during these ten days. For clarity, let me sum up these forty days of Teshuvah : • Elul— the first day through the thirtieth day are the first thirty days of Teshuvah. • Tishri— the first day is the Feast of Trumpets and also begins the ten “Days of Awe”; the tenth day is the Day of Atonement, the tenth “Day of Awe,” and the fortieth day of Teshuvah. The month of Elul is considered to be a month of great mercy. As the book Days of Majesty points out:

Even though repentance is received at any time, nonetheless from Elul to Yom Kippur, Teshuvah is accepted much more readily. For during these days Hashem (God) pardoned the Jewish people for the chiet ha’eigel, the sin of the golden calf. And this period was permanently set aside as Days of Mercy. 3 —C HAYEI A DAM, H ILCHOS R OSH H ASHANNAH