Forgiveness

It may not be conceivable to you that you or I could have hurt someone so profoundly to elicit and require such an apology, but I believe that we all find ourselves in this situation.

If someone said this to me, I would appreciate their sentiments and be touched that such a person understood that I may have been hurt intentionally, unintentionally or even by omission. Their apology lets me know that the person is compassionate and caring and a person like each of us imperfect and a blessing in my life.

We are drawn together each year by the majesty and beauty of our rich tradition. Our request for forgiveness is humbling, overwhelming and even a little bit humiliating. At the base of it all, God calls for us to make things right in the world, between brothers and sisters, friends, between our closest and our most casual acquaintances.

Not only is it difficult for us to pardon our friend's transgressions, but it can be more difficult and create more pressure to sincerely accept the intentions and the earnestness in which the apology has been offered. To me this is the most difficult part of the equation. In most cases we accept apologies at face value and move on, but do we? Especially if you feel your trust in the other person has been compromised?

My experience with close relationships has been mostly good and besides I really try hard not to hurt anyone. But I know in my life I have hurt people and have been hurt. I have hurt the people closest to me and though I try not to, it is more than likely that I will, again. I have apologized, they have apologized, but sometimes relationships suffer and are sadly lost.

Though it seems to be counter intuitive, you, I must try harder to mend these relationships and work hard to accept an apology when offered, these relationships can still flourish. We can reveal our goodness through our trust and willingness to grow together.

Shortly we will join as a congregation, our prayers of atonement will resonate as we all stand humbly before our God, our God of forgiveness asking to be pardoned, and will you forgive me? I will forgive you.

Draw us Closer
Help us convert our convictions into conduct and our commitments into deeds
Help us to narrow the gap between our principles and our practices, between our aspirations and our actions
Keep us from blaming others for our faults; help us to heal the wounds we have thoughtlessly inflicted.
L'shana Tova Tekateivu,
May you be inscribed for a healthy, happy and meaningful New Year
Cantor Bruce Rockman