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Yom Kippur in 60 Seconds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0BewJfSwNU&hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0
What Is Yom Kippur? The Jewish High Holiday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oqBzg8wCUg
The Maccabeats - Book of Good Life
REPENTING THROUGH THE EYES
OF THOSE WE WRONGED
Russell A. Irving
We are human. We make mistakes. Do wrong things.
As Jews, we seek to repent and gain God's forgiveness.
At Yom Kippur, we especially hope that God will accept our repentance.
Yet, it is written that we must seek forgiveness from those whom we have sinned, wronged. - How many of us do that based upon what we believe was a bad action, as opposed to what others witnessed, felt.
What do I refer to? Simply this: We might dismiss a white lie said to someone, as not all that important. We might imagine that gossip which we spread was not going to inflict much, if any harm to another. Embarassment, perhaps, but no harm.
How we interpret our deeds are not as important in this matter, as how those on 'the receiving end' perceive them.
For this reason, as we seek forgiveness from others and we repent for our sins, let us do so from the perspective of those to whom we did wrong.
And may the Lord inscribe you and yours for a year of life and of blessings, in the Book of Life.
Amen.
Reflecting Upon The Past Year
By Russell A. Irving
Reflecting upon the past year can be more of a daunting task than we would like to admit. Daily routines, crises (both large and small), and demands upon our time can allow us to believe that we simply have no time with which to reflect upon our life. But of course this is mostly a 'justifiable rationalization'.
Looking back upon missed opportunities can remind us of our lack of self-confidence. Telling loved ones that we are sorry for ignoring them, while indulging in our individual pastimes... Pretending that someone else is more capable of feeding the homeless, which is why we pass by the man with a sign asking for (actually begging for) food...
And...
Yes, reflections are not easy.
They often require oneself to be simply honest. To strip away the many layers of excuses which we wear as if they were some type of protective gear. Yet, we only fool ourselves, since G_d sees and knows us, for who we truly are.
Honest reflection calls upon us to want to apologize to those whom we have wronged.
The problem is that we too often prefer imagining that our words will be too little, too late. So that we tell ourselves that it is sufficient to simply feel remorse, without needing to act upon it.
But do you remember hearing the phrase 'silent remorse' being emphasized during the 'Days of Atonement' services? I don't. In fact, we are directed to overtly ask for forgiveness after owning up to our wrong doings.
So now comes the big question: Will G_d forgive us, anyway? The answer is truly unknown.
But, I hope that you and I can one day, soon, truly fulfill the mission of seeking repentance, after reflecting upon our past year's behavior.
May G_d see into your heart and accept your desire to be a better person, a better Jew. And, may He inscribe you for a good year, in the Book of Life.
Amen.
SOME REASONS FOR WHY WE MUST
REPENT AT LEAST YEARLY
By Russell A. Irving
That God did not destroy a man and woman after disobeying Him in the Garden of Eden. That Adam and Eve were punished for their actions and (not, 'but') were allowed to live elsewhere and multiply, is proof of God's willingness to accept repentance and to offer us another opportunity to live and to prosper.
Like a parent, God sets limits. He establishes rules. He grants blessings.
That we might not understand His commands, or why some good people seem to suffer, while evil folks seem to prosper, is 'okay'. We are created in God's image. We are not God.
If we focused on His teachings more than we do on why our prayers appear to go unanswered, we would probably live happier lives. And, thus, some of our prayers would, in fact, be answered.
Do we do wrong? Of course we do. - Do we punish ourselves as harshly as we want to punish others? Usually not. - Do we have some of our most ardent moments of goodness when we want something of another, or of God? Absolutely. - Do we worry about offending God before we suffer negative consequences for our actions? Usually not. - Do we treat our spouse or child with the patience, understanding, or forgiveness which we want from God? Too often, no.
These questions, with seemingly obvious answers, are worth repeating. - Especially during Yom Kippur. For repetition is a key to true repentance.
A child asks her mother why we seek forgiveness from God and others, each year, when our sins are often the same as they were the previous year. "Doesn't God and our friends know how sorry we are after we do wrong?"
"Of course,
Sarah", says her mother. "But don't you want an apology each time your brother hits you? Or your best friend excludes you at playtime?"
Just as when we are aggrieved, we seek affirmation of the regret felt by the wrongdoer, so does God seek that affirmation from us. For it is a symbol of respect and sincerity, and it takes effort. Sometimes, great effort.
It is easy to insult or to ignore a spouse, believing that they know it was not intentional and that we feel badly for doing it. But by the great effort of apologizing, we show them our sincerity. For it is often easier to aggrieve, than it is to make amends.
And repetition is the key. With each request for forgiveness, the sin becomes more difficult to commit again.
Our friends might easily forgive our bad behavior once, but repeated bad behavior is more difficult to wave away, with each successive time.
But why do we need to repent so, each year, at the same time, and in such a fashion, before God?
Perhaps, because God understands how easy it is to postpone formal repentance.
How many of us would put off such action until our deathbed or other tumultuous occasion if we were left to our own devices? Without a ritual or specific time to do so?
Yom Kippur is also a time of 'permission'.
God let's us know that He is open to hearing our prayers, our requests, and our desire for our Father to forgive us.
Too often we fear conversing with our Creator because He is almighty... And we are mere mortals.
Yet, God makes the time and the effort to hear each one of us.
God cares enough about you and I, to hear our prayers... Read our soul, if you will... And to make the decision as to whether or not we are inscribed for blessing in the Book of Life.
May this Yom Kippur, you seek forgiveness from those whom you have wronged, from yourself for not living up to your true potential, and from God.
And may the Lord inscribe you and yours for a year of life and of blessings, in the Book of Life.
Amen.
REPENTING WITH MORE THAN WORDS
Russell A. Irving
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, My Rock and My Redeemer.
These words uttered throughout the year, during our services, carry a special meaning during Yom Kippur.
We ask God to take for granted the sincerity of our prayers, our requests for forgiveness, and our hope to be inscribed for a year in the Book of Life.
We fear that if God does not accept our pleas, that great harm will befall us and our loved ones.
Yet, are we truly sincere?
Do our prayers carry more meaning and commitment than the hurtful words which we utter all too often, throughout the year? Than our acts of infidelity, gossiping, cheating, maligning, abusing, stealing, or lying?
We promise to love and to cherish our spouse. We promise to work diligently. We promise to raise loving children, in a loving atmosphere. We agree that our parents deserve our respect, our time, and our love. We agree that we are all 'brothers and sisters'.
Yes, we promise so much, to so many, and we fail so often.
When we search our hearts, how frequently did we do the opposite, with fore-thought? By making excuses? By promising ourselves that we will do differently, when next we are in a similar situation?
Why should God believe our Yom Kippur prayers of repentance and promises to be a better person, if only He blesses us... Allows us just 'one more' opportunity to do His will?
Have we not shown great disrespect for Him and the many blessings that He has given us, over our lifetime?
Words do have meaning.
And, actions also convey a picture of who we are at that moment in time.
Our choices might, in fact, be difficult ones. Or seem impossible. Or appear to be controlled by others.
Yet, we always have choices. And, so while our words have impact, our actions have more meaning.
Have we truly acted as one created in His image?
So, when we pray that on Yom Kippur, God finds the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable, may we also promise ourselves, those whom we love and cherish, and our fellow man, that we will act in accordance with these words.
May we beseech God and promise Him that we will act differently... Better, if blessed with another year.
May we truly let God know that we understand how much more our actions mean to Him, than mere words.
May we realize that God blesses the mute, the one without a formal education, and the one without a gift of gab, because He observes their actions. Because He knows that true sacrifice comes from giving or refraining from actions, appropriately; not from words, alone.
This Yom Kippur and beyond, may the actions of our being be acceptable to Him, the Almighty One, blessed be He.
Amen.
Of 'Sorry' and 'Repent':
2 Occasionally Confusing Concepts
By Russell A. Irving
'Sorry' and 'Repent'.
2 words often spoken of during the Days of Awe. During Yom Kippur.
Elton John sang that 'Sorry' seems to be the hardest word... "
If that is true, then 'Repent' represents the most difficult action.
Why?
Well, think of a time when after yelling at a parent, child, or spouse, uttering an apology was done with sheepishness, and occasionally, while stuttering.
Being 'repentant goes many steps further. Not only do you apologize for your actions or lack thereof, but you promise to never perform this action again.
Yet, do we truly mean it? More importantly, will we abide by this equivalent of a verbal contract?
On Yom Kippur we seek to receive God's forgiveness.
'Repentence' is a key component of our plan to receive God's blessings. Yet, if we are only providing lip-service, or know deep in our heart, our gut, that we will likely commit the same offense, repeatedly, then what is the point? Why confess our sins? Why claim that we will become better people? Why seek God's blessings?
Hopefully, because, while we recognize our fragility... Our innate human weaknesses... We also believe somewhere deep within our soul, that God blessed us with the ability to change. That the fact God has repeatedly allowed us to be inscribed in the Book should show us that.
There is a difference between knowing something and taking advantage of something.
This Yom Kippur, when you ask God for forgiveness. And, you promise to be a better person. Mean it. Act upon it. And, if you fail, may it no be due to a lack of effort.
Amen.
The One Whom We Do Not Seek Forgiveness Of
Russell A. Irving
Each Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, we ask God and our family, friends, even strangers, for forgiveness. We know that we have sinned, and we wish to receive absolution as well as to sincerely express our apology.
But, what of the sins that we have committed against ourselves?
Do we think to ask God for that type of forgiveness? Do we ask ourselves to be less harsh with us?
For some, the sin we commit against ourselves is that of abusing our body. Whether by smoking, drugs, overeating, cutting, irresponsible sexual activity, or allowing others to use us as if we were a human punching bag, instead of a special creation... loved by Our Lord.
For others, we allow opportunities to slip through our fingers, as easily as a stream of water or sand would.
We do not apply for the possible promotion. We wait so long to decide upon a purchase that we lose the opportunity. We postpone telling our family just how much we love them. We let someone who could be our life's partner slip away, because we are afraid or do not believe ourselves to be worthy of love.
For others, we do not learn from those around us.
We choose to remain ignorant of matters that could have enriched our lives. Whether due to our own arrogance or ego, we behave as if we knew al that there was to know.
For others of us, we simply choose to not love ourselves.
We see no redeeming value in our beings... in our lives.
For all of us who can relate to any of the above or to other ways in which we sin against our beings, I ask that this Yom Kippur, we seek and offer forgiveness to the person whom we see in the mirror, and ask God to forgive us, as well.
Amen.
YOM KIPPUR
ARTICLES - MINI-SERMONS - RECIPES
(For Yitzkor messages, please click here.)
I Marvel and Wonder
By Russell A. Irving
Every year, when the High Holy Days come, I marvel. That G_d has blessed me with another year in the Book of Life. That despite not being all of the man, the Jew, husband, father, and member of the world's community, that I should have been, G_d blessed me.
There are days and nights when things are going well that I marvel at the joys which I am witness to. Acts of kindness. A smile on my familiy's faces. A 'Thank you' for something that I did for another person.
Then, there are the nights when I lie awake for hours contemplating the many misfortunes that my family endures. I find myself angry with G_d. Wanting to ask: "Am I that bad of a person? Do I deserve these tragedies in my life? And, if I do, why punish my loved ones who are wonderful people, good people?"
There are times when I do things to 'spite' G_d. (As if I had such power!)
And, then, there are the days when I find myself brought to tears, when I pray to G_d to watch over and heal my family and friends. When I pray that there will be true peace in this world. When I hope that all of us will seek G_d and follow His teachings.
Yes, I marvel at there having been another year for me on this earth. Another year has gone by and this imperfect man looks back upon the decades of my life. I do feel sadness and anger and disappointment for what I did not live up to being. The desire is there to repent. The desire, however, I fear, is not sufficient. It with actions that G_d sees us for who we are. It is with our speaking up when we see injustice. It is when we help another and truly want nothing from them. It is when we actually spend time with our loved ones and not make them feel badly that we have done so.
I find myself, this year, as with so many other years, kneeling before G_d at the gates that lead somone whom He has inscribed in the Book of Life, into another year. I pray that He shows mercy and understanding. That He will hold my hand when I am afraid, comfort me when I am sad, and correct me when I do wrong. That I will again be able to marvel at His geat love for His people and all of us, individually.
I wonder, as I write these thoughts, if this is what G_d seeks: True introspection. True regret for our transgressions, both large and small. And a sincere desire to do better. And, not perfection.
I pray that G_d will bless each of You, as well!
May G_d look lovingly upon us all and inscribe us for another year in the Book of Life. A good year.
Amen.
Repentence Is Much More Than...
By Russell A. Irving
"You are unique! You deserve the best in life. You will succeed."
Many of us heard some or all of these growing up. Yet, many of us did not. So, who ultimately is the the most successful individual? The question should be: Who is worthy of a great life?
While there are great men, famous and not-so-much-so, there are others who appear to succeed in life, but who arrived there on the backs of others. Those who care more about absolute power and wealth, The ones who justify all of their actions regardless of whom gets hurt.
I think back to when I owned a store and a fellow came in and said that he had a question of me. That my answer would determine whether or not he purchased anything at my establishment. He asked if I accepted anothet religion's beliefs. When I said "No", he explained that he would not buy from me. Knowing that I would not change his mind, I asked what of the drug dealer who beat his children and cheated on his wife? Would he be looked on favorably by G_d? The man responded by saying that if he sought forgiveness and believed in this religion's core beliefs, even if only on his deathbed, then G_d would in fact forgive him. But the man who led a great, unselfish life, who did not believe in this faith would be doomed, eternally by G_d. -- I mention this not to pick on any other religion, because people tend to believe what they are taught as children. I mention this because we tend to believe that G_d will forgive us, no matter what we say or do.
On Yom Kippur, we seek G_d's forgiveness. We ask that our vows made during the year and on Yom Kippur be dismissed. That we certainly will try to do what is right, but we're 'only human'.
There are examples in the Bible of those who were punished for various actions. Even great figures, such as Moses, who was not allowed into the Promised Land. Perhaps, it is one thing for us to seek forgiveness, and promise to do better, next time, but that does not mean that G_d will automatically forgive us. Or that there will not be consequences to our actions, even if G_d forgives us.
This is my way of saying that life is a day-by-day, minute-by-minute, experience. There might not be a tomorrow or another Kol Nidre service for us to partake in. Repentence is much more than a way to get a 'free pass' for our behaviors. 'Repentence' must carry more than 'sincerity' along with it. There must be true intent, followed by great efforts. So, when you seek forgiveness and G_d's blessings, realize that He knows what is in your heart and your ability to carry out promises, at any one point in time. We ask G_d to inscribe us in the Book of Life, because, deep down inside, we know that it is not 'a given'.
Bottom-line: Act everyday as if it could be your last one. Treat others knowing that G_d is always watching. Know that 'talk' is cheap. Make your words of repentance be meaningful ones. -- May G_d find your words and your heart sincere and open to change, to following His commandments, and to give more than lip-service to your prayers and promises.
Amen.
Kol Nidre
www.youtube.com/v/dSzCJh4Pq8I?version=3&hl=en_US
Not For Ourselves, Alone
Once again, we are at this holy day. Once again, we decide whether or not to make the time, take the time for prayer. For seeking forgiveness. For being repentent. For remembering those who have passed. For asking G_d for blessings. We show reverance for G_d. Thanks for His blessings. Hope for life renewed.
We pray for the day when there will be an end to pestilence, war, and hatred.
These are ones that should receive great attention. And, there are many more issues than we pay more than a fleeting moment, considering.
Studies claim that most of us are a heartbeat away from poverty. Homelessness. Sickness that we cannot afford to treat. Stomach pains from a lack of food. Cold for a lack of heat or faintness from too much.
There are those of us who wish to delude our minds and hearts into believing that we are 'safe' from these matters. But, as many saw during the previous recession, no one has true financial security.
There is the legend that says a wealthy man sought to give up food and other signs of his abundance for the Day of Atonement, in order to show others that he can relate with their great needs.That these actions would win favor with G_d and guarantee His inscription for a good and healthy year, in the Book of Life. -- Yet, his rabbi cautioned him not to do this. - "Why?" asked this man of great wealth. - The rabbi responded by saying, "That for you to make such sacrifices for one day belittles what others endure, day by day. For it is one thing to make what amounts to a token gesture. Quite another for one to live it, every day of your life. This is not to say that you should refrain from fasting or do what you are expected to do this day. Simply do not believe that these sacrifices are anywhere equal to what your fellow citizen endures."
If that rabbi were alive today, he might remind this man that we were once all immigrants. That anti-semitism is on the rise, worldwide. That the gap, even in America between the wealthy and poor is ever-widening. That we act as if everything on the Internet is true, simply because it was there. That we can let blind prejudice overrule what our souls would never do, if we truly examined our inner being. That there is good and bad in every group: every race, religion, sexual gender, and nationality.
This Day of Repentance should include feelings of guilt for our inactions and sometimes our very actions toward our fellow children of G_d.
I believe that G_d hopes we will look not only inward or outward to our immediate family, but also, outward to those around us, living next to us. Who live daily in fear, with an over powering sense of helplessness, and a sense of hopelessness.
Remember that we are all G_d's children. And that we should care for our 'siblings', as well as ourselves and our loved ones.
May G_d inscribe you in the Book of Life for a good, healthy, and caring about & for others, year.
Amen.
What If I Confess That I Am 'Just Not Into Repenting'?
Yom Kippur is very much a time for confessions. Whether they be for grave sins or simply slights, the fact remains that we should seek to atone. We should choose to ask forgiveness in an effort to apologize, to acknowledge what we have done.
But what happens when we 'don't feel it'.
We were moved by the Rosh Hashanah services. We pray that G_d will forgive us. We look forward to being inscribed for blessings in the Book of Life. yet, we feel numb. Perhaps from an overload of stress, exhaustion, or grief. Perhaps simply from 'not being into it'.
The latter is simply an excuse. For this is a time for inward reflection. As parents tell children, 'You need to just do it. get it done.'
But, if it is not done with sincerity is it worthless?
It would depend. There are times when we are not 'in the mood' to make love or play with our children or visit our elderly parents.. Yet, once we are in the act, we find ourselves getting caught-up in the activity. We forget our inhibitions, our sense of unwillingness to participate in the event.
So, it is with the acts of repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Let your reasons for not making the most of these days, the Days of Repentance, melt away.
We owe this to ourselves and to those whom we have wronged or neglected.
May we find forgiveness from others, from ourselves, and, ultimately, from G_d. May you and yours be inscribed for a good year, in the Book of Life.
Amen.
We Don't Seem To 'Get It'
Russell A. Irving
How often does someone present us with information that we either take for granted or choose to dismiss, out of hand? Now, far be it from me to suggest that we need to take precious moments out of our day to verify information.
Yet, we are so willing to pass judgement upon our leaders or our law enforcement officers based upon reports that match our personal opinions, our biases.
Psychologists have a term for this, but who needs psychobabble? Certainly, not us!
We pray for the well-being of our community, our country, and our world. Yet, do we even review, during Aseret Yemei Teshuva, how our words and actions have not been in their best interest? Unfortunately, we center too much on ourselves and our family and friends.
There is a difference between opinion and fact.
G_d has blessed us with the ability to reason and think, freely. This comes with a responsibility, however. To perform 'due diligence'. To at least, occasionally, think of 'what is righteous'.
We have an obligation to value these gifts.
We have a calling to repent for pre-judging others. To repent for our prejudices. To repent for gross generalizations. To take an active part, such as time allows, in helping our community, locally and globally, to treat each person with respect and seek peace. To help the homeless, instead of driving by them, while rolling up our car windows. And, much more...
Repentence is not something to give lip-service to. Do we truly believe that G_d does not see through that?
Everyone of us has an obligation to act as a beacon, shining the way to the One True G_d. And to fulfill his hopes for us.
Let us not pretend that this does not matter. Because it does. And may we ask G_d for forgiveness for these more 'global' sins. And may He grant us a year of health, happiness, and inner peace.
Amen.
Do We Miss The Point?
By Russell A. Irving
"But, it feels good!"
That could be the motto of many of us. - We like to do things that feel good. And, you could justly ask, "What is wrong with that?" The answer is usually, "Nothing." Except that we know when what feels good to us is going to harm another. Perhaps a great deal. Perhaps only slightly.
Yet, the reality is that we value our goals, our pleasures, over any discomfort, pain, or misfortune that would likely befall another person.
We rationalize that the harm would be miniscule. Especially when compared with what pleasure we would derive from the action (or inaction, as the case might be).
So it is that during the Days of Repentance we ask G_d for forgiveness. But, probably do not ask it of those whom we have wronged. We rationalize that by avoiding embarrassment, admission of guilt for actions which the other person might not have been aware, and feeling uncomfortable, we are not really harming anyone, to any great extent.
All that might be true. Yet, we are harming ourselves. By deceit. By pretending to be repentant. By convincing ourselves that G_d will be fooled by our token gestures of regret for past transgressions. That G_d will not somehow punish us for our acts of false apologies.
Do we actually believe that G_d does not know what is in our hearts? That He does not know when we simply go through the motions of asking Him or those whom we wronged for forgiveness?
I believe that G_d values sincerity over false gestures. That He appreciates how difficult it is to allow ourselves to be humbled before others in order to show true repentance.
We miss the point of the Days of Repentance when we trust that G_d will accept token gestures that do not even cost us a moment of discomfort. It is the sincere heart that is willing to put itself out for a true apology that G_d seeks.
Are we expected to go to everyone whom we have wronged and ask for forgiveness? Perhaps not. But a combination of a sincerely repentant heart combined with actions that are probably not comfortable which I believe that G_d looks for when He is determining our place during the new year.
Amen.
Special For Yom Kippur --
By Rabbi Marc Kline
“Oh My, Rabbi! I just learned that today begins Yom Kippur! I need tickets! What time are services? You have services both tonight and tomorrow? Really? How much time do I really have to be there to make it count?”
You know, I get to have lots of these types of conversations with folks at this season. My colleagues have been recounting, on our listserv, many of the conversations brought to them this week. If one did not have perspective, these could be downright disheartening. So and so has an event where a whole team is counting on him to show up. Another is waiting for evidence that the building has been checked for Ebola. Another has to choose between a step-child’s birthday party and the morning service. Yes, it is easy to get exasperated. So many colleagues succumb to this temptation, but … call me polyanna-ish … I have to wonder why these people asked or said anything about the day. Why would they take the time to ask, even the inane question, when if they were really disinterested all they have to do is not show up? Are they really that dense? Are they really expecting our blessing?
You know the joke, a man goes to the rabbi and reminds the rabbi that kickoff for the big football game is during Yom Kippur services. “Rabbi, is it ok to video tape on Yom Kippur?” The rabbi says, that under the circumstances, it is, so long as he sets up the night before. The man responded, “Where in the sanctuary can I set up the camera?”
What I hear in these questions is a concern for the importance of the holiday. Maybe people don’t know what to do with the day. Maybe people don’t understand the full extent of the Holiday’s importance. Maybe we should not be so dismissive of those who present their questions in strange ways.
In a small southern Jewish community, a synagogue tried doing educational outreach. Every year (for about a decade), they set up their social hall with tables properly dressed for each holiday on the calendar. They would then welcome their non-Jewish neighbors in and share an educational experience on the meaning of each celebration. One night, in the midst of one such discussion, a guest who had been to many of these events asked a question, “How do you account for the Jews having killed Jesus?” The host was so upset that they shut the event down and had everyone leave.
As the recounted the story to me, years later, the synagogue members were proud of how they stood up to the hatred. I asked if they knew the person who questioned them. They affirmed. I asked if there had ever been cause to believe that this person was a hater? They admitted that there has been none. I suggested that perhaps the person had been plagued by this question for years, since they knew lots of “nice Jews,” and the accusations had made no sense, but they had no one that they felt close enough to ask … until this show of welcome. Now, having been thrown out, there is no telling what they thought!
The day after my Bar Mitzvah, the rabbi threw me out of “his” synagogue. I did not see God the same way he did, so in his eyes I must have been wrong. Obviously, it never dawned him … even if I was way off base … to have conversations with me to see whether or not there were things upon which we could agree. Maybe we should not be so dismissive of people who present their questions in strange ways.
Yom Kippur is a day for us to come to grips with reality--I think that we need to judge less and listen more … and listen with more openness and compassion. If we really believe that the world is worth saving, then we have to begin by believing that people really do want to do the right thing, even if they have no clue how to do it.
To the people who ask the tough questions, I want to thank them for being concerned. I want to ask them to be with us for any part of the day, and hope that the time that they are here makes them want to come back for more. (For the videotaping guy, I hope he watches the service when it fits his schedule and gets something out of it.)
I am not watering down faith, but I will not destroy it by turning people away on account of their own ignorance. The real world teaches us that a lot of people lost touch with tradition over the years. I can assure you that faith will never have value if, even in their twisted way of approaching a return, they get turned away.
Perhaps if more of us were more patient and engaging with each other, the day would have greater value for more people. In fact, if we treated everyday with more awareness and more grace towards each other, every day would provide greater cause for celebration.
Shabbat Shalom and … well, I can’t say “Happy Yom Kippur,” but I can pray that the day brings hope and healing for us all.
Rabbi Marc A. Kline
rabbimarc@monmouthreformtemple.org
