Chapter 128 – Month of Elul (sixth month of the Jewish year)

128.1) The period from Rosh Hodesh (name for the first day of every month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the birth of a new moon) of the month of Elul (sixth month of the Jewish year) until after Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is a propitious time. See the source for details of your behavior during this time.

128.2) Sound the shofar daily.

128.3) Examine the tefillin and mezuzot to correct defects.

128.4) Beginning the Sabbath following the ninth day of Av and thereafter for seven consecutive Sabbaths, read the seven haftorot  of consolation.

128.5) Arise early for the service of Selihot (supplications for forgiveness) beginning with the Sunday before Rosh Hashanah.

128.6) The hazan (cantor of a synagogue) saying the Selihot should wear a tallit.

128.7) Carefully choose a hazan to recite the Selihot and lead the services.

128.8) Do not officiate as hazan on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur during the twelve months of mourning for a father or a mother.

128.9) You may not say the thirteen attributes in the same melody or with the same intonation as the congregation when you have already said Selihot privately.

128.10) During the first seven days of mourning, you may not go to the synagogue to say the Selihot except for the day before Rosh Hashanah.

128.11) If you are the person to officiate Rosh Hashanah or blow the shofar, abstain three days from everything for three days before Rosh Hashanah.

128.12) If you are fasting for ten penitential days, there are exceptions to fasting during this time. See the source for details.

128.13) Go to the cemetery and prostate upon the graves of saintly men after morning prayers on the day before Rosh Hashanah.

128.14) Fast until after the afternoon service on the day before Rosh Hashanah.

128.15) Bathe and have your hair cut on the day before Rosh Hashanah.

128.16) Have vows annulled on the day before Rosh Hashanah.