The application of the letters of “Elul” to various meanings related to this holy time. Rabbi Orenstein considers it as an acronym for Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li, from Song of Songs. In Song of Songs, God initiates the relationship. Yet at this time, we must initiate the relationship.
Maggid Golden relates the fall harvest and Rosh Hashana to the month of Elul. “Elul” means “harvest” in the Akkadian root, and “search” in the Aramaic root. Thus, this is the time for our deepest preparation for the coming days, reflection of the previous year, and lessons learned.
Rabbi Sacks references Deut. 31:10-13, emphasizing what Moses ultimately did during his last days: he established a protocol of reading the Torah out loud to the people, and ensuring that they are able to understand it. Later, King Josiah made this an annual hakhel. This ensured continued rededication to the mission.