DEBARIM 31:1 – 31:30
How many times do we make mistakes out of carelessness or ignorance? Worse yet, how many times do we violate the precepts of the Torah simply because we have become accustomed to doing so? It is true that ADONAI, blessed be He, is just in all that has befallen us individually and collectively. We deserve death and not life! Moshe, our Teacher (may he rest in peace), had said before he died: “I know that after my death you will turn to other gods, and all these evils and calamities will come upon you.”
The Prophet Hoshea confronted the people of Israel who had strayed from the straight path and exhorted them:
“Return, O Israel, to ADONAI your God, for you have stumbled because of your sin. Take with you words of supplication, return to ADONAI and say to Him: ‘Remove all iniquity and accept what is good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria will not save us; we will not ride on horses, nor will we ever again say to the work of our hands: “You are our gods.” For in You the orphan finds mercy.’” (Hoshea 14:2–4)
This Shabbat is called “Shabbath Teshubáh” because it precedes Yom haKippurim. The Sages, of blessed memory, teach that sincere teshubáh has the power to annul a harsh decree. We see this principle clearly in the story of King Menashe, who repented after having been rebuked by the prophet. On Yom haKippurim, our destiny for the coming year is sealed in Heaven. The Eternal, praised be He, grants us every day to fulfill His will, and especially during the yamim nora’im (the days between Rosh haShanah and Yom haKippurim).
King Dawid said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a contrite and humbled heart.” The Prophet Samuel expressed the same to King Saul when he disobeyed the command to utterly destroy the seed of Amalek—it is better to obey than to bring offerings to the Temple.
Albert Einstein said: “There is nothing more absurd than expecting change while doing nothing.” What does Heaven require of us? — Do tzedek and mishpat (justice and judgment).
On Rosh haShanah, Heaven is revealed with the attribute of Elohim (Judge), but on Yom haKippurim with the attribute of mercy (ADONAI).
So that no one would say forgiveness from God is too far away, the Prophet Micah asks:
“Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity
and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?
He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.
He will again have compassion on us; He will subdue our iniquities.
And You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob and mercy to Abraham,
as You swore to our fathers from days of old.” (Micah 7:18–20)
“Today is the day of redemption,” affirms the Psalmist—Today if you hear His voice.
May it be the will of God that we may carry out a complete and sincere repentance and soon see the days of redemption. Amen.