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Yom Kippur
is approaching. It is always a positive virtue to reflect
upon one’s past. Reflecting upon mistakes should not be done
to create a sense of guilt. Rather, it should be done to
correct those mistakes and become a better individual.
My prayer,
as a spiritual leader, is that our fellow Jews strive
towards the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Here I (G-d) am!
If you remove from your midst perversion, finger pointing,
and evil speech . . . then G-d will guide you always, sate
your soul in times of drought.” (58:9-11)
The Radak
(verse 11) explains that G-d's “guidance” means that G-d
will be intimately involved in all of an individual's
endeavors. This in turn will satiate a soul in times when
the world is void of all spirituality.
As we
approach Yom Kippur, now is the time for introspection. Now
is the time to ask “What do I want and how do I get it?”
Our
materialistic world is filled with temptations for
self-gratification leaving some feeling empty and void of
true fullfillment.
True
fulfillment comes with the understanding that G-d could be,
and is, intimately involved in our lives. When we appreciate
all that G-d does for us, we instinctively desire to be
closer to him. As we turn to G-d, so does G-d turn to us. If
we invite G-d into our lives, “G-d will guide [us] always,
sate [our] soul in times of drought.”
We can all
look back at our past and in retrospect realize that G-d was
truly part of our lives. One must understand that he is only
truly satiated when he knows that G-d is intimately involved
in his life. Only then does prayer, with the will to be a
better person, and life aspirations and visions have any
meaning and fulfillment.
Shabbat
Shalom
May we all
merit a Gmar Chatima Tova
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