In the Middle

Jews are presently living in the middle between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.  These are the holiest days of the year for Jews, between the New Year (Rosh Hashana, 5779) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).  It is a ten-day period of introspection.  Jews are supposed to reflect on how they have acted during the past year and to whom they must go and seek forgiveness, before they can ask forgiveness from God on Yom Kippur. 

In Jewish tradition you cannot ask forgiveness until you have examined in what ways you have hurt someone during the previous year.   In this tradition lies the unique Jewish belief there are some things God cannot and will not forgive.  The Rabbis teach when you hurt someone you are not hurting God.  You are hurting a specific someone.  And you must approach that someone and ask for forgiveness.

So, why can’t God forgive you?  Because you did not sin against God.  You sinned against another person.  That’s a whole other relationship.  You tell me about someone who robbed you and how violated you feel.  I listen and say to you, “I forgive the robber who did this to you.”  But that’s crazy.  It’s not my place to forgive something that did not happen to me.  Just so with God.

Between the New Year and the Day of Atonement, the middle part, the ten days of reflection are the most important.  Figure out who you wounded this past year.  Text, call or do what you can to seek reconciliation.  When Jews do this, they will have celebrated the New Year and are ready to meet God on Yom Kippur.

Btw, non-Jews are welcome to do the same.