Teshuva
"It is much easier to repent of sins that we have committed than to repent of those we intend to commit." humorist Josh Billings.Rabbi Bunam of Pzsyha once asked his disciples: "How can you tell when a sin you have committed has been pardoned? His disciples gave various answers but none of them pleased the rabbi. "We can tell," he said, "by the fact that we no longer commit that sin."
When to Repent
Rabbi Eliezer said: "Repent one day before your death."
His disciples asked him, "Does then one know on what day he will die?"
"All the more reason he should repent today, lest he die tomorrow" (Shabbat 153a).
"It is told that once there was a wicked man who committed all kinds of sins. One day he asked a wise man to teach him an easy way to repent, and the latter said to him: 'Refrain from telling lies.' He went forth happily, thinking that he could follow the wise man's advice, and still go on as before. When he decided to steal, as had been his custom, he reflected: 'What will I do in case somebody asks me, "Where are you going?" If I tell the truth, "To steal," I shall be arrested. If I tell a lie, I shall be violating the command of this wise man.' In the same manner he reflected on all other sins, until he repented with a perfect repentance" (Rabbi Judah ben Asher, fourteenth century).
PETITION (A PRAYER FOR SELICHOT)
Compassionate One, remember
we are your children
help us to know again
that we are cradled
during these awesome days
of changing light
we want to return
to your lap, to your arms
remind us how to believe
that we are loved
not for our achievements
but because we are yours
as the moon of Elul wanes
and the new year rushes in
hear us with compassion
enfold us, don't let us go.
-Velveteen Rabbi
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