Forgiveness
Next week is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. As a Jew, I have always been taught that this is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is a day for deep devotion in community, a day to connect with your spiritual self, and a day to repent for past transgressions in the hope that you will be written in the Book of Life for another year. The personal reflection that can, and should, take place during an evening and day of prayer is an opportunity that many of us do not get often enough during the year.
One key element of repentance is the act of asking forgiveness. It is not enough to ask for forgiveness through prayer, and in Judaism we do not ask for forgiveness through a spiritual leader. We are directed to ask forgiveness directly from those we have offended throughout the year. And, forgiveness is a two-party activity. The person whose forgiveness is sought must listen and grant the request, assuming it is made with sincerity. This relational experience between people is core to each individual's ability to truly repent.
There is much to learn for all of us in this active, participatory act to forgive and be forgiven. None of us are beyond committing transgressions, both minor and major, to those around us. If we are interested in repairing and strengthening those relationships, then we must acknowledge those transgressions not just to ourselves, but to those we have hurt. Having those sincere conversations will help us to build better communities, together.
Lee Sherman, President & CEO
