* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin ([email protected])
Adi Leitner, a 12th grade student from Petah Tikva, wrote me as follows:
"As Yom Kippur approaches, I have noticed that most of the talk is about how important it is to ask to be forgiven. However, I think that we do not talk enough about how important it is to forgive, to excuse, to let go, to move forward rather than to get stuck.
These days are meant not only to soften the hearts of those who hurt others, but also the hearts of those who have been hurt. Asking to be forgiven is difficult, but it is sometimes even harder to forgive. It's difficult to overcome our hurt feelings, to give those who offended us a second chance. In my opinion, people may be reluctant to apologize because they fear the reaction if they do.
It is said that the way we judge others is the way we are judged in heaven. If we look at others favorably, so too will God will look at us. These are days when we need to give others the benefit of the doubt, to show compassion, and not to hold a grudge.
I think it would be worthwhile for you to write about this."
So here you are Adi, your words have covered the subject quite well, and I thank you.
