"Rabbi Akiva says: Happy are you, People of Israel! Before Whom are you purified? Who purifies you? Your Father in Heaven, as it said, 'I shall sprinkle upon you pure water and you shall be purified.' And it is also said, 'The mikve of Yisrael is HaShem.' Just as a mikve purifies the impure, the Holy One Blessed be He, purifies Yisrael!" (Yoma 85)
On Yom Kippur we have the opportunity to rectify our mistakes of the past year and improve ourselves for the upcoming year. We turn to HaShem for acceptance, assistance, and forgiveness. Yet, how do we know that HaShem will receive us favorably? The Torah tells us, "Your Father in Heaven purifies you." When we strive to better ourselves, HaShem inevitably welcomes us with the attribute of His Fatherly love. Just as every father loves his son, so too, "Our Father in Heaven" loves us unconditionally. Therefore, He always mercifully accepts us, whenever we sincerely return to Him. Even more, HaShem lovingly purifies us with His cleansing waters of spiritual purification.
Lesson: There is no greater happiness than knowing that whenever we are motivated to improve our ways, HaShem immediately accepts us with the attribute of a loving and merciful Father.
Visualization: Envision Moshe Rabenu praying for Klal Yisrael after the sin of the golden calf. Sense the faith in Moshe's heart that HaShem loves Klal Yisrael infinitely, and everlastingly. See him pray to HaShem for mercy and forgiveness. Hear HaShem say to Moshe, "I forgive them, as you have requested." Be confident in HaShem's love for you. Know that He will compassionately accept your repentance and forgive you. And with His purifying waters, He will wash away every trace of sin, flaw, and impurity.
May you be blessed with Chasimah Tova for a Sweet New Year!
A Special Prayer for Parents to Bless Their Children on Erev Yom Kippur
"May HaShem bless you and protect you. May HaShem shine His countenance upon you and be gracious to you. May HaShem turn His countenance to you and grant you Shalom."
May it be the will of our Father in Heaven that He implant His love and His fear in your heart. May the fear of HaShem be seen upon your countenanwce all the days of your life so that you do not sin and so that you desire Torah and Mitzvos. May your eyes look straight ahead and may your mouth flow with wisdom. May your heart contemplate the awe of HaShem. May your hands be immersed in the performance of Mitzvos, and may your feet run to fulfill the Will of your Father in Heaven. May HaShem grant you righteous sons and daughters, who devote themselves to study the Torah and perform the Mitzvos, all the days of their lives, and may your source be blessed. May HaShem send you your livelihood, through a way that is permitted, pleasant, and prosperous, and not through the gifts of man. And may your livelihood avail you to devote yourself to the service of HaShem.
May you be written and sealed for a good and long life, amongst all of the righteous people of Yisrael. Amen!
(Based on Machene Ephraim as cited in the Kitzur Shulchan Orech, Siman 131)
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