Happy Monday! 

Continuing our discussion of last week, we will come to the culmination of the Jewish Highest of Holy Days. Beginning tomorrow evening and extending to Wednesday evening is Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. The most common greeting is Yom Tov, which loosely translates as “have a good fast.” The time is observed by refraining from food and beverages for 25 hours and fasting all “earthly pleasures.”

My dear friend, Peg, reminded me that Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Fasting allows people to move into the new year with a fresh start. However, in contrast to the joy and festivities of Rosh Hashanah, this time is soberer and more reflective, an emotional and solemn day.

Peg shared a story about her grandfather:

“My grandfather, a devout Jew, would spend the day in Temple fasting and praying the entire Yom Kippur.  It is believed that God plans the fate of each person in the Book of Life. It would not bode well to enter a new year without seeking God’s forgiveness for transgressions against Him, and against other people, in the previous one, and God will show favor to those who confess guilt and seek forgiveness.”  

The following quote is from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Rabbis Sacks was a philosopher, author, theologian, and professor in the United Kingdom and was the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from September 1991 to September 2013.

Photo by Thomas Hendele. No copyright infringement intended.

Making amends, atonement, and forgiveness, are all pathways to mending brokenness. We see sentiments about the benefits on social media and in our daily interactions but sometimes miss the unique blessings that follow. So often, there’s an underlying fear of being weak if we forgive, yet navigating our individual journeys with the most basic understanding is necessary.

Scripture has many thoughts regarding forgiveness:

“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” Psalm 130:3-5 (NIV)

“There is no other god like you, O Lord; you forgive the sins of your people who have survived. You do not stay angry forever, but you take pleasure in showing us your constant love.” Micah 7:18 (GNT)

“For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (TLV)

It’s about apologizing and asking for forgiveness to enhance a relationship. Maybe it’s a relationship with another person or an opportunity to make amends with our God. Even if the other person isn’t willing to accept our apologies, the process is about allowing the self to be vulnerable and exploring a more satisfying relationship for both people.

“Apologizing does not mean that you’re wrong and the other person is right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego.” Author Unknown

Consider spending some time this week in forgiveness. Perhaps you have a friend who would benefit from a renewed relationship with you. Maybe things have gotten a little tentative with a loved one. Or perhaps you must finally forgive yourself for some long-ago indiscretion. Whatever the case, it’s not too late to make amends and continue your journey.

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda