Wednesday, September 27, 2017

WHERE ARE YOU. איכה

   As we approach the sacred day of Yom Kippur, I am reminded of an insightful quotation; "You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips”. 
   That, I believe, was the question that Hashem asked Adam after he sinned, "איכה,where are you?" Not in a geographical sense, but rather, "Where are you in the context of your relationship to G-D and to humanity."
   To often we become so involved in our daily mundane activities, that we fail to focus on the truly important aspects of life that really define us - family, friends and especially our responsibilities to our Torah way of life. To bring us back to this important reality we need  Yom Kippur to awaken in all of us our true priorities. 
   There is always a certain peace in being what one is - in being that completely.  
   The Rav, in analyzing the tephillos of Yom Kippur, especially the Musaf Amidah, explains the words ובכן תן פחדך, "Instill Your terror upon Your works," refers to the idea that since mankind does not take the initiative to recognize G-D's presence on earth and since man does not arouse himself from his self righteousness and idolatrous faith in his own self, we appeal to Hashem, Himself,  to awaken man, to hear his quest for  איכה. This may be the only way we will be aroused from our complacency. Otherwise, we may not come to the realization to what extent our actions have alienated us from G-D.  
   This form of introspection and realization of our inappropriate behavior will, hopefully, lead us to the next Bracha, וכן תן כבוד הי לעמך, "Hashem, bring honor to mankind and especially to the Jewish People." 
  This פחד and כבוד will propel all of us to a new and righteous journey of a life of blessing and peace.
  בספר חיים ברכה ושלום, ופרנסה טובה, נזכר ונכתב ונחתם לפניך,אנחנו וכל עמך בית ישראל, לחיים טובים ולשלום 

            שבת שלום ומבורך ושנה טובה

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