Welcome to "Explore Forgiveness," a new 7-part email series from My Jewish Learning devoted to helping you prepare for Yom Kippur through contemporary examinations of the role of forgiveness in our lives. As you read, you can ask questions about forgiveness in ourholidays discussion group.
By Rabbi Rebecca Einstein Schorr
“I’m sorry.”
When we were kids, our parents taught us that that these two words were like a magic elixir. You stepped on your sister’s foot? Say you’re sorry. You ate the last cookie without permission? Say you’re sorry. You broke Mom’s vase while playing ball in the house? Say you’re sorry. Not so hard, right?
But it turns out that saying “I’m sorry” isn’t the same as seeking forgiveness.
The Torah places a high value on self-love. That means practicing self-forgiveness, too, writes Rabbi Karen Kedar.
Everyone wishes we had "do-overs" for certain things we've done, or didn't do. The psalm that many Jews say during the month of Elul, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, can help us create new opportunities, instead of mourning missed possibilities.
Your email series exploring contemporary views on forgiveness in Jewish life and tradition will continue in a few days.
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