How should we approach G-d on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? What should be our posture on these most awesome of days? Should we be pushy or penitent? Tough or tentative? Bashful or bold?
The Machzor tells us that Bnei Yisrael can relate to Hashem "k'banim o k'avadim"; either like beloved children gathered around their dear father, or like frightened servants trembling before their lord and master.
Our mindset is what matters. When we contemplate all the times we have failed to live up to our responsibilities, the times we "missed the mark" and acted or reacted in a manner unbefitting G-d's most glorious creation, we should bow our heads and humbly approach our Maker. We should contritely confess our sins and beg forgiveness.
Yet, when we consider the times we did our utmost to perform mitzvot, the times we helped our fellow man, or showed total loyalty to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, we should raise our head with justifiable pride and confidence. We should walk tall - and not with "hat/kipa in hand" - and ask Hashem to keep His promise to safeguard and nurture us.
Ayone who has lived - and remained - in Israel during this most trying year is entitled not only to thank G-d for His protection, but to unabashedly request His bracha in the year ahead.
The structure of Aseret Y'mei Teshuva perfectly reflects this duality of approach. The first two days, we festively feast, dress up and welcome guests. But on Yom Kippur, we sit hushed all day in shul, dressed simply in white, neither eating nor drinking. We are humbled before G-d. Both approaches are valid.
The story is told of the poor tailor who, one year, did not come to Kol Nidre services. His friend later asked him where he was and what he did that night.
"First," said the tailor, "I took out a big book, in which was recorded all the mistakes I made in speech, deed and judgement throughout the year, meticulously recorded. I cried and lamented over my miscues, I promised to do better, and I begged Hashem to pardon me and grant me life."
"And then I took out another book. It, too, was rather large. This book contained all the indignities I suffered: little income, poor food, trouble with the kids. I told G-d I expected more from Him, that I depend upon Him and that He, too, can do better. I told Him I would start a new chapter if He would. I think - I hope - we made a deal."
So let's all make a deal and emerge with a Shana (Yoter) Tova.
The Machzor tells us that Bnei Yisrael can relate to Hashem "k'banim o k'avadim"; either like beloved children gathered around their dear father, or like frightened servants trembling before their lord and master.
Our mindset is what matters. When we contemplate all the times we have failed to live up to our responsibilities, the times we "missed the mark" and acted or reacted in a manner unbefitting G-d's most glorious creation, we should bow our heads and humbly approach our Maker. We should contritely confess our sins and beg forgiveness.
Yet, when we consider the times we did our utmost to perform mitzvot, the times we helped our fellow man, or showed total loyalty to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, we should raise our head with justifiable pride and confidence. We should walk tall - and not with "hat/kipa in hand" - and ask Hashem to keep His promise to safeguard and nurture us.
Ayone who has lived - and remained - in Israel during this most trying year is entitled not only to thank G-d for His protection, but to unabashedly request His bracha in the year ahead.
The structure of Aseret Y'mei Teshuva perfectly reflects this duality of approach. The first two days, we festively feast, dress up and welcome guests. But on Yom Kippur, we sit hushed all day in shul, dressed simply in white, neither eating nor drinking. We are humbled before G-d. Both approaches are valid.
The story is told of the poor tailor who, one year, did not come to Kol Nidre services. His friend later asked him where he was and what he did that night.
"First," said the tailor, "I took out a big book, in which was recorded all the mistakes I made in speech, deed and judgement throughout the year, meticulously recorded. I cried and lamented over my miscues, I promised to do better, and I begged Hashem to pardon me and grant me life."
"And then I took out another book. It, too, was rather large. This book contained all the indignities I suffered: little income, poor food, trouble with the kids. I told G-d I expected more from Him, that I depend upon Him and that He, too, can do better. I told Him I would start a new chapter if He would. I think - I hope - we made a deal."
So let's all make a deal and emerge with a Shana (Yoter) Tova.