It’s only once you’re mature and important and special that you understand the shame of being a sinner
Book: Yearning to Return
Author: Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi
Publisher: Maggid Books (an imprint of Koren Publishers)
’ve written a book on Purim, and one about Tu B’Shevat, and we’re working on one about Pesach and another about Tishah B’Av. But of course, Yom Kippur is a highlight. Yom Kippur is the one day of the year that can change your life. You can bring yourself to places you have never dreamed of. When Hashem gives us human beings the capacity to influence our year and change our mazel in this way, how can I stop myself from sharing knowledge about this opportunity with other women?
When I noticed how many people struggle with the capacity to say “I’m sorry” and to forgive others. I saw that when people do bring themselves to forgiveness, their mazel opens up. They merit blessing, they become happy — they become close to each other.
We see conflict and quarrels and machloket around us; Yom Kippur tells us “forgive and be cleansed.” Actually, reconciliation with others comes before you approach Hakadosh Baruch Hu. The pasuk says “Lifnei Hashem, titharu — Before coming to G-d, purify yourselves from quarrels and sanctify your relationships with others.”
Whenever I discuss Yom Kippur and the power of starting anew in my shiurim, you can feel the vibe of closeness and forgiveness and love for each other among the women in the room.
The Ari Hakadosh writes that there’s something mystical about the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, something that cannot be logically explained. During this time, you’ll meet people from your past and remember that you owe them money. You’ll bump into the librarian to whom you never returned that book borrowed years ago. Hashem will present you with opportunities to repent for sins you’ve forgotten and repay neglected debts, because Hashem’s presence is so close that you cannot miss it. He wants to help you do teshuvah — now.
As well as repenting and making up with people, another great piece of advice is to gather together with other Jews. The Hebrew word tzibbur, community, has the same gematria as rachamim, mercy. Gatherings are very auspicious at this time, whether it’s joining a big crowd for Selichot at the Kotel or getting together with your local Tehillim group. Get together with as many other Jews as you can, because when Hashem sees you as part of His nation this unleashes His rachamim.
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