Why is Elul Called a Rasha?

Which day of Rosh Chodesh Elul do we begin blowing Shofar? And why is the month of Elul called a Rasha? Listen to two fascinating shiurim from Rabbi Levi Garelik on the essence of the month of Elul.

Elul: when do we start blowing the Shofar?
The first day or the second day of Rosh Chodesh elul?

Also:

1. Why did the Previous Rebbe say that on the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul we should “practice” blowing the shofar?
2. Why do we wait to “practice” with the blowing of the shofar till Rosh Chodesh Elul? Why can’t we do it before?
3. Why do we start blowing only on the second day of Rosh Chodesh and not on the first?
4. Seemingly, if someone knows how to blow he also needs to “practice”. why?
5. Why at the end of Yom Kipur do we blow only one Tekia and not 100 like Rosh Hashanah?
6. What is the famous Moshol (parable) of the Baal Shem Tov regarding Tekias Shofar?
7. Who wrote the “Hemshech Vekocho”?
8. What is a bigger Mitzva; to eat Kugel or to hear Tkiyas shofar?

Based on Likutei Sichos Vol. 34 pages 95-97 and hisvaaduyos 5742 pages 1009-10 and others.

Elul: Why is Elul called a Rasha (Wicked)?

1. Who is buried next to the “Megale Amukois”?
2. What are the Roshei Teivos [acronym] of Elul?
3. Who was Miriam Bas Bilga?
4. What was the purpose of the rings in the Bais Hamikdosh?
5. Who was Korach’s neighbor?
6. What is the source for “Oi Lorosho Veoi Lishcheno” [woe is to the wicked and woe is to his neighbor]?
7. What dos “Oi” mean? Is it a word or just a sound?
8. What does Tkias [the sounding of the] Shofar symbolize?
9. The Gemoro says that when the month of Av commences we diminish in joy. Why is this only till the 9^th and not the whole month?
10. Why did Hashem create Reshoim (evil people)?
11. What is the wonderful lesson that we learn from this?

Based on Likutei Sichos Vol. 19 pages 65-66 and vol. 33 pages 10 and others.