Personal note at Yom Kippur

Asking forgiveness and giving mechilah

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With courage and humility we undertake the work of teshuvah, praying that Hashem will forgive our transgressions.

When we are asked to forgive, we endeavor to emulate G-d’s attribute of mercy and to be generous in giving mechilah to those who have slighted us.

But it’s different this year.

Acquaintaces — not to mention colleagues, long-time friends and even family members — too often rage against each other. Are we hesitant to ask forgiveness because we ourselves are not in a forgiving mood?

How many of us no longer chat with people whose politics we find indefensible? How may Shabbos dinner invites were not extended and how many dinners ended with host or guest feeling less than Shabbosdik?

Even if we believe our political arguments are “for the sake of Heaven” (a haughty presumption), are we licensed to act cruelly to a fellow Jew or justified in rejecting a fellow Jew’s apology?

Our tradition emphasizes that we should seek forgiveness from others before seeking forgiveness from G-d. In Mishneh Torah (Repentence 3) we are taught:

When the person who wronged him asks forgiveness, he should forgive with a complete heart and a willing spirit. Even if he aggravated and wronged him severely, he should not seek revenge or bear a grudge.

• • •

Publishing a newspaper carries the risk that someone may be hurt by something printed or something omitted.

I ask mechilah of anyone I may have hurt either through this newspaper or in person, and I offer mechilah to anyone who might seek it from me.

Wishing all a gemar chatimah tovah.