| The Secret Power of Lasting Transformation \ Yom Kippur
D'var Torah: "Depart from bad and do good"(Tehillim). We make our best effort on Yom Kippur to renew ourselves. Yet, we also know that in years past we ascend to new spiritual heights on Yom Kippur, only to revert the next day to our previous condition. What can we do to retain the progress we work so hard to attain? There are two parts to successful repentance. One is to abandon our negative behavior, i.e., "Depart from bad." The second is to initiate new positive behavior, "Do good." Most people don"t realize that the second part is even more important than the first! We need to balance our effort to grow by activating new positive habits. Our optimistic energy gives us the fortitude to successfully master our effort to change.
Moral: Uprooting negative behavior is the effort to overcome the base aspects of human nature. At the same time it is imperative to initiate positive behavior. We elevate our spiritual strengths by stimulating our holy soul. We persist in the power of good, until the good overcomes and dominates the bad.
Application: Envision Avraham Avinu living in a world of idol worship and devoid of loving kindness. See him reject both of these negative behaviors. Imagine Avraham enlightening all of mankind with the belief in HaShem. Envision Avraham innovating the light of loving kindness to the world. See his positive initiatives infuse him with strength, goodness, joy, and holiness. (Based on the commentary of Rabbi Nosson Wachtfogel and RaMad Vali) |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas HenyaZivia bas RaizelLeah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
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