In this Elul Sichas Mussar shmuze at Yeshivas YU, Rav Moshe Weinberger explores the spiritual meaning of the month of Elul and the importance of returning to one’s true self at the start of a new school term in yeshiva.

Rav Weinberger shares a story about the Amshinover Rebba who carried two watches, one signaling that it is late and the other signaling that there is still time. This serves as a metaphor for the state of Elul, balancing reflection on the past with the hope to start again.

He draws a parallel between the city of refuge (Ir Hamiklat) and the spiritual sanctuary found in Hashem during this season. It is a time for those who have unintentionally lost their path to run toward Hashem and find safety.

Using the wisdom of the Baal Shem Tov, he discusses why our reality often falls short of our dreams. He emphasizes that while the physical world may be imperfect, our deeper intentions and heart remain pure and connected to Hashem.

He encourages students to view their return to yeshiva as an opportunity to reconnect with their inner selves and higher consciousness, moving away from the shallow distractions of the world.

The talk concludes with a story about the Kotsker Rebbe, teaching that the true purpose of learning is not just to read words, but to experience a transformation and grasp the deeper meaning of Torah.