Thursday, October 25, 2012

Yichud: The Foundation of Awe and Self-Reckoning: 2b

After Sukkos the people gathered together once again. "The Jewish Nation gathered with fasting, sackcloth and dirt upon themselves. They separated those of Jewish descent from the Gentiles and they stood and acknowledged their sins, and the iniquities of their ancestors. They then called out in a loud voice to Hashem their God." It was only after they had heard how much Hashem appreciated their joy, and that Hashem desired them even after they had sinned, because of the great favor they found in His eyes, that they had the strength to return to Hashem and to come close to Him.

The closer a person comes to Hashem, as he recognizes his preciousness before Hashem even after he has sinned, he learns also that there is no concept of being distant from Hashem. He then comprehends the gravity of his wrongdoing, as he comprehends that whatever he has done was directly in the presence of Hashem. He can then feel ashamed.

If there were no concept of forgiveness then a person would be forever stained. He would then feel that there was no reason to refrain from further wrongdoing as he is eternally blemished. But Hashem is forgiving, and wants to build us up. Despite the wrongdoing he cleanses and shows love.

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