The Rambling Page

Opt in: A Yom Kippur message

 
Dear friends,

We stand on the cusp of Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. “Shabbat Shuva” means the Shabbat of Return. But what does it mean to return? 

Judaism believes that each and every one of us is born with a perfect and untaintable soul. Throughout our lifetimes, we will each commit acts that create films and barriers over that soul. But we always have the option of teshuvah – renewal. We can always set the clock back and go to that original place of pure soul. It’s a process, to be sure. The process includes emotions and behaviors such as sincere regret, a strong plan to repair and make it right, and asking and receiving forgiveness. But we can always come back. From anything.

One of the most powerful tools of the yetzer hara, the voice of negativity, is despair. The voice convinces us that we’re too far gone, that we can’t repair, that we’re not worth it. So this Shabbat and this Yom Kippur, challenge that voice. Remind the voice that you are a perfect and beautiful child of God. That you’re not hopeless. That no situation is ever hopeless. That you always have options.

This week, opt in.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
                      
Rabbi & Ruchi