James Adam agreed to rent a three-room apartment from Henry Fish. According to the terms of the contract, each year, on the first of September Adam would pay a year’s rent in advance, in a lump sum.

At the end of each year, Henry Fish would inspect the premises to make sure that Adam was looking after his property and had not made any changes without his approval. If he was satisfied that all was in order, he would renew their agreement for another twelve months, at the same rate. 

One year, Adam took severe losses in his business. When it drew near to the date when his lease would be up, he had hardly enough cash to pay for a month or two. And as if that weren’t enough, the washing machine had flooded the den and there were water stains on some of the carpeting. He knew that he would have to bring in a professional, but he was strapped for money now, and it would have to wait.

To make matters worse, the apartment had been repainted six months beforehand, and was in top condition. Adam heard that two other people were interested in renting it, and were willing to pay more than Fish’s original price.

He was in a quandary. How could he keep the apartment?

One thing was certain. If he waited until the first of September, he wouldn’t stand a chance against the others.

After several days of worrying and fretting, Adam decided on a plan of action. He would phone Henry Fish and ask for an appointment with him four or five days before the first of September. Once face to face with his landlord, Adam would explain his situation to him. Maybe Henry would give him extra consideration, as a long-time tenant, and give him a chance to get back on his feet. It was his only hope.

We face our own “first of September” each year as Rosh Hashanah draws near. We certainly want to renew our contract for a year of good health, happiness, prosperity, peace – and a lot more. 

But what do we have to offer in order to pay the “rent”? How many mitzvahs and good deeds can we “put down on the table” in hard cash?

Not enough to "finance" an entire year.

Like James Adam, we have a lot to worry about. We decide to present our case a little in advance, to ask for special consideration. We meet with our “Landlord” and promise to pay up everything we owe, and to make whatever repairs are needed, if He will only let us pay in installments. And we start before Rosh Hashanah while still in Elul.

G-d wants us to turn to Him and ask for forgiveness; He willingly extends us credit if we sincerely wish to repair the damage and prove that He can count on us. But we need to get there in good time; that is why we start in Elul, to ensure that we will be inscribed for a sweet and healthy New Year.