A Soulful Journey

Rabbi Gorion in the name of Rabbi Joseph said, "The  righteous in a generation are held responsible for the sins of the generation, and if there are no righteous, then schoolchildren."  - Talmud Shabbat 33b While  this pronouncement is difficult to understand and  accept it does contain a  kernel  of  great  truth.  When generations do face up to  evil, there will be  ramifications  that the  future  will have to confront.

 Two rabbis were discussing resurrection of the dead.   "Suppose that during the resurrection only the rabbis will rise?  Where will they find their congregants?" The other answered, "A rabbi who cannot raise his congregation with him does not deserve to get up."  - Rabbi Nathan Zelizer This is demonstrated by Pirkay Avot where we read, "If one leads others to a life of righteousness, his sins will be forgiven." (5:20)

Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev said,  "Lord of the universe, I want to propose a deal. We have many sins. You have much forgiveness. Let us exchange our sins for your forgiveness. And if you should say that this is not a fair exchange, then my reply is: if we had no sins,  what would you do with Your forgiveness?"  - Elie Wiesel As much as we want to be forgiven, God wants to forgive. Perhaps todays is a good day to imitate God.

Rabbi Shmelke of Nicholsburg said, "When a poor man asks you for aid, do not use his faults as an excuse for not helping him.  For then God will look upon your offenses and He is sure to find many of them.  Keep in mind that the poor man's transgressions have been atoned by his poverty while yours remains with you." -fun Under Alter Other II, p. 99

God forgives those who sin against Him and repent on Yom Kippur but He does not forgive transgressions, sins, between men unless there is reconciliation between the guilty parties.   –Yoma 85b

As he lay close to death, Stalin asked to see a priest. “Father, I want o go to heaven.” “In that case, you’ll need to call in all your enemies and ask forgiveness,” the priest told the dictator. “Fortunately, Father, I have no enemies,” Stalin replied. “But how can that be?” wondered the priest. “I killed them all,” replied Stalin.  ~ Rabinovitch and Harris

On Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of Repentance, a visiting maggid preached a sermon at the synagogue of Rabbi Meir Hurwitz of Tiktin.  The teacher castigate the congregation for their sins and admonished them to repent.  When the severe tongue-lashing was over, Rabbi Meir had tears on his cheeks and said to the Maggid, "I was deeply moved by your stirring words and I will repent for my transgressions.  However, I am sorely distressed that you found it necessary to put me to shame before my entire congregation.  Do I really merit such treatment from you?" Abashed, the Maggid replied, "I would never humiliate you in public.  I was not referring to you at all, for you are well known for your fear of Heaven." Unappeased, Rabbi Meir retorted, "But my congregants are all pious and holy.  Only I could be guilty of such sins." -Philip Goodman