Yom Ha'Kipurim!!!

R' Bunam of P'shischa gives uses a parable to explain how available Hashem is to us during the High-Holy Days. The parable is of a king who banished his son because he
failed to live up to his royal responsibilities. The recalcitrant young man acclimated himself to the rough life of a rural village, and before long was more of a villager than a prince. His father, the king, meanwhile kept watch over his beloved, though wayward son. He accomplished this through agents who reported back to the palace and unobtrusively shepherded the young man through frequent difficulties.

Finally, unable to bear the degradation and poverty that his son was suffering, the king gave
him a chance to redeem himself. The king sent an official with a message "Your father loves
you and is ready to grant you anything you want.Make a wish." The prince did not have to think
very long. "Tell my father how grateful I am for his concern. And tell him that it is cold here 
and my coat is worn. Please ask him to send me a new, warm fur-lined coat!"

Can one imagine the heartbreak of the father who wanted his son back in the palace? The boy could
have asked for a chance to visit his family. He could have asked for a reconciliation. He could
have asked for the kingdom. But he had forgotten where he belonged. He had traded the palace for
the corral, he traded his destiny for a coat.

So too, R' Bunam said, "We come to the Days of Awe when Hashem longs for us to say "Father,
we want to come home to you!" But all we think to ask for in our prayers is more money, a nicer
home, a warmer coat.Can we even imagine the extent of our foolishness and the anguish we cause Hashem!?!?

The gemara says and halacha stipulates - that as soon as a person has a thought of repentance,
he or she is deemed a perfect tzadik! So lets try for at least this one day to give ourselves
up to our father, Hashem!

From The Breslov Research Institute
Yom Kippur certainly is a solemn day, but don't make it somber. It is
a holiday/festival, we are being forgiven! Here is a Yom
Kippur Midrash (Eliyahu Rabbah 1:5):

What is Yom Kippur like? A king's servants and household cleared the
palace of all its trash and filth, casting it far from the palace
entrance. When the king went outside and saw the heap of refuse, he
was quite happy.

This is Yom Kippur, which God cheerfully and gladly gave to Israel.
When He forgives Israel their misdeeds He's so happy that He doesn't
feel even a twinge of sadness. His joy is so great He says to the
mountains and hills, the waterways and valleys (see Ezekiel 36:4):
Come rejoice and celebrate with Me My forgiving Israel their sins!

Similarly, a person should recall all the favors and indulgences that
God has constantly done for Israel, from the day He chose Avraham till
this moment. "Remember these things...I will wipe away your sins like
a cloud" (Isaiah 44:21-22). Just as clouds are dispersed by the wind,
so are Israel's sins wiped away in this world, leaving no trace in the
Future.

Here is something from Rav Blumenfeld, The Mash Of Yishivas Neveh Tzion.

A CONTEMPORARY VIDUY/Confession

1. I lacked belief in myself and in my ability to change and therefore refrained from making goals.

2. I violated the very first mitzvah which is to be a mentsch, and the second which is to be real.

3. I used my doubts and questions as excuses and didn’t seriously pursue the answers. 

4. Instead of finding my purpose in life, I turned towards escapes to fill the emptiness (drugs, gambling, sex). 

5. I denied my escapes and addictions rather than fight them. 

6. Instead of using distractions for healthy recreation, I made these distractions my way of life

7. I substituted fun, hanging out, and instant gratification for meaningful goals.

8. I allowed myself to be exposed to temptation without considering the consequences.

9. I neglected that which could give purpose and meaning to my life (i.e. learning Torah and pursuing the answers to my questions and issues).

10.I was so involved with myself or my career that I neglected to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.


A gmar chasima tova to one and all! An easy and meaningful fast to one and all!!
May this year see the end of our suffering and the true and final redemption!!
peace and joy,
Etan