Accruing Merit By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser
We read in the mishnah, “Rataoh Hakadosh Boruch Hu l’zakos es Yisroel l’fichach hirboh lohem Torah u’mitzvos -- Hashem Yisborach wanted to make the Bnai Yisroel worthy of merit, therefore He gave us a great amount of Torah and mitzvos.” During the month of Tishrei, when all of us pray that we are judged for a good year full of bracha and hatzlacha, we want to accrue as many zechuyos as possible. Therefore Hashem makes it easier for Klal Yisroel by affording us all these opportunities to fulfill an abundance of mitzvos. Simultaneously, as we are being judged, every moment of our day is spent in the performance of avodas Hashem.

People often approach me during these days to ask, “What should I be doing? What should I be thinking?” They want to know the proper mindset and attitude of going about their avodah during the months of Elul and Tishrei.

The medrash tells us (Shemos Rabba 24:3) that even though the Jewish people may go astray, Hashem cares for them as a loyal shepherd tends to his flock. The Maharzav comments that so too Hashem searches to find a merit for Yisroel and causes them to be worthy.