From the Rabbi

Rabbi Ned Soltz

I am fond of the story of the man who came to his rabbi deeply concerned
over his failing business, failing finances, and uncertain economic future. The
rabbi advised him to go to the Western Wall, pray as intensely as he has ever
prayed, and await a response. He spent practically his last dollar on a ticket to
Israel and went straight to the Wall. After hours of fervent davening, he heard a
voice. It said to him, “Chapter 11″.
While not quite as humorous in these tenuous economic
markets, nonetheless the Chapter 11 provisions of the bankruptcy
laws provide an opportunity for a new start through
restructuring debt, preservation of assets, and just generally
the chance to do it right the next time.
In so many ways, the High Holy Days resemble Chapter
11. We approached Rosh HaShannah several days ago in
a state of almost spiritual bankruptcy. We spent (hopefully)
the month of Elul and the days between Rosh HaShannah
and Yom Kippur in serious restructuring talks with ourselves, our fellow human
beings, and our God. We and God seal the final decree on Yom Kippur.
Yet, there still is another chance. Tradition teaches us that the gates of
teshuvah might close at Neila, but they are not sealed until the end of Sukkot. In
other words, we have another chance at another chance.
May this penitential season be one of a successful emergence from our spiritual
insolvency allowing us to face the new year with a clean slate and renewed
hope.
– Rabbi Ned J. Soltz