Rabbi Alan Litwak
We Each Have The Potential to Change
“It is not the death of sinners that You seek, but that they should turn from their ways” - Unetaneh Tokef
God has given us a truly amazing gift. Unlike the other members of the animal kingdom whose behavior is guided solely by instinct, humanity has the ability to change. Our problem is that, so often, we place the onus of change on someone else - “It was his/her fault, so he/she needs to change” or “I need to make him/her see what she did.” The Baal Shem Tov suggests that “sinners are mirrors.” When we see faults in others, they are often reflections of our own faults or limitations. Teshuvah is about changing ourselves; not others. The month of Elul gives us the opportunity to look in the mirror and reflect on our own shortcomings.
No comments:
Post a Comment