D’var Torah – October 11

G’mar Chatimah Tovah

I hope this finds you all well.

One of the shortest prayers in the Torah is Moses’ plea that God heal his leprosy-stricken sister Miriam: “El Na Refah Na La – God, please hear now.”[1]

Some of the most powerful things we can say in life are also the most concise. They require no illustrious speeches or grand gestures. For many, however, they are also some of the hardest to say: a teacher who has to again and again prompt their students to say “excuse me,” and “may I…,” a parent who has to remind their child to say “please” and “thank you,” and on Yom Kippur,  all of us to authentically and honestly say, “I’m sorry.”

Why is it so hard to say these “simple words”: “I apologize”, “I was wrong”, and “I’m sorry”? Because it requires modesty and vulnerability. As people, biological creatures, we naturally want to protect and shield ourselves from anything that can leave us exposed or open. However, as descendants of Moses and the children of Torah we are taught to be humble. To this end, Jewish philosopher and prime minister of Italy Luigi Luzzatti penned, “The greatest minds are those which, even in the act of creation, remain humble,” and Rabbi Meir of the Talmud taught, “Be humble before all men.”[2]

Bizrat HaShem, in this new year of 5785 and in front of the open ark on this Yom Kippur, this day of atonement, may we all have the humility to say “I’m sorry.’

Tizku Leshanim Rabot and Tzom Kal – May you merit many years and may you have an easy fast.

Bivrakha,

From the desk of: Rabbi Aaron Stucker-Rozovsky

Beth El Congregation | 520 Fairmont Ave, Winchester, VA 22601

(540) 667-1889 (office)