Tips for Preparing for the High Holidays
Inspiration is 90 percent preparation. Here are ten meaningful things you can do during the forty days of Elul and the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah to prepare spiritually and emotionally for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These suggestions build gradually over the period of introspection and repentance leading to the Yamim Noraim:
1. Set Aside Daily Time for Cheshbon HaNefesh
Use a few minutes each day to reflect on your behavior, relationships and character traits. Deliberately think through the details of your days and consider what needs work and what has improved.
2. Prepare Your Prayer
Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik used to prepare for Rosh Hashanah by memorizing the special Amidah prayers for the holiday. You can prepare by studying them in advance and thinking about the meaning of the words and the structure. Ashkenazim begin Selichot the week before Rosh Hashanah, while Sephardim recite them throughout Elul. Prepare by studying the words and themes ahead of time.
3. Strengthen One Mitzvah
Choose a mitzvah you already do and double-down on it. This might be prayer with more concentration, stricter observance of lashon hara, or doing something special to honor Shabbat like reading only religious material on Shabbat. Growth in even just one area can shift your spiritual trajectory and lead to growth in other areas over time.
4. Reach Out for Reconciliation
Initiate sincere conversations to apologize for past misdeeds. Don’t wait until the erev Yom Kippur rush. Use Elul and the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah to clear your slate and make amends.
5. Slow Down
Start practicing slower, more mindful tefillah now. Start a few minutes earlier than everyone else, and say each word thoughtfully.
6. Learn About the Yamim Noraim
Dedicate weekly time to study the halachot and deeper meanings of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Find a book you like on the themes of the holidays that will increase your appreciation and observance of the Yamim Noraim.
7. Give Tzedakah Thoughtfully
Prepare a plan for giving before Rosh Hashanah. Set aside an amount for daily giving and look for causes that reflect your personal teshuvah goals or correct previous inattention.
8. Choose a Middah to Work On
Identify one character trait you want to improve. Use classic mussar techniques: daily reflection, short and intense learning sessions and practice. Over time, small changes can build deep habits.
9. Limit Distractions
Gradually cut down on time-wasting habits like excessive phone use or endless media consumption. Replace them with more spiritually nourishing activities—Torah learning, quality time with family or even quiet walks for introspection.
10. Write a Personal Kabbalah List
Rabbi Yaakov Lessin, a former mashgiach of Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), used to say that a Yom Kippur without a kabbalah (resolution) is not a Yom Kippur. Before Rosh Hashanah, write down specific commitments or goals for the coming year. These should be realistic, personal and actionable. Keep this list in your machzor on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
These practices don’t require perfection. They require sincerity and forethought. The days between Rosh Chodesh Elul and Yom Kippur are an opportunity to make more of your Yamim Noraim. Start small and early to see big results.
Rabbi Gil Student is OU director of Jewish Media, Publications and Editorial Communications.
More in this section:
The Power of Preparation: Elevating Mitzvos Through Hachanah by Moishe Bane