Yesterday we celebrated Yom Kippur, arguably the holiest day of the year for Jews all over the world. It’s a day that is meant to be filled with solemnity and grace. We refrain from engaging in pleasurable activities, we fast, and we ask for forgiveness.
This is no small task. Apologizing can be very difficult. For some, just saying the words, “I’m sorry” is nearly impossible. I recently re-watched the movie “A Fish Called Wanda” and laughed at a classic scene in which Kevin Kline's character, Otto, is trying to apologize for nearly upending the entire plan. He practices over and over again, saying, “I’m very, very, very s—” but he keeps getting stuck on the word “sorry.”
We know that apologizing can be incredibly empowering. For the one doing the apologizing, it can lift invisible burdens, while for the one receiving the apology, the act of forgiveness can set them free. But it can also be difficult.
Acknowledging that we were wrong takes strength and courage. As we leap into this new year, I hope we can recognize the power of an apology and be quicker to say I’m sorry. I for one, resolve to work on having more of this type of strength and courage in the coming year
Shabbat Shalom.