D'var Torah: "Depart from evil and do good"(Tehillim 34:14). We make our best effort on Yom Kippur to renew ourselves. We also know that in years past we ascend to new spiritual heights on Yom Kippur, only to revert to our previous condition. What can we do to retain the progress we work so hard to attain? There are two parts to fruitful repentance. One is to abandon our negative behavior, i.e., "Depart from evil." The second is to initiate new affirmative action, "Do good." The second part is even more important than the first one! We need to balance our effort to grow by activating new positive habits. Our positive energy gives us the courage to master our attempt to change.
Moral: Uprooting negative behavior is an effort to overcome the base aspects of human nature. At the same time, it is imperative to stimulate our spiritual strengths by initiating a positive response. We persist in the power of good until the good overcomes 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, and replace them with belief in HaShem and acts of loving-kindness. Imagine Avraham enlightening all of humankind with faith in HaShem and the goodness of loving-kindness. See his positive initiatives infuse him with kindness, joy, and holiness.
(Based on the commentary of Rabbi Nosson Wachtfogel and RaMad Vali)
