One of the best parts of Yom Kippur, which was this past Sunday night to Monday night, is the seeking of forgiveness.
For those not in the know, Yom Kippur is the Day Of Atonement for Jews. Yom Kippur marks the last day of a period of reflection for Jews, where we consider our role in fulfilling G-d's mitzvot (good deeds). We think of how we've spent the previous year, and we seek forgiveness for wrongs we've committed. If we've wronged G-d, we beseech him for forgiveness. If we've wronged another person, we cannot seek forgiveness through G-d, nor will G-d grant us absolution. We must seek out the person that we've wronged and ask their forgiveness personally. Very much like Jason Lee in My Name Is Earl.
I love this idea of repentance. I try not to commit any sin, but when I do, no matter how slight, I feel the strong need to be let off the hook. That's why I stay friends with people who get this concept, folks who are eager to let a friend off the hook. It's the same with G-d. I believe G-d has an easy time letting us off the hook. My guess is that G-d is proudest of us when we seek forgiveness, when we truly acknowledge our sins, our mistakes.
At least, that's what I'm hoping for.
The Gift
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[Christmas, 1965 or thereabout]
The boy was very young; perhaps 7 or 8 years old. He loved everything about
Christmas - the lights, the music, Santa ...
10 months ago
7 Comments:
It is so beautiful that you talk about Earl here. I love that.
For me, it's all about trying to be better today than I was yesterday. Some days that works better than others.
That was lovely Stu! I'm sure He knows that you're trying your best and I have a feeling you don't have to ask for forgiveness very often :)
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Yom Kippur
I'm always fascinated by how much Judaism and Catholicism mesh. As you probably know, we Catholics have confession; the acknowledgement of our sins and the granting of absolution for those which we are heartily sorry for having committed. I think it's a lovely concept, in both religions.
Also, my boss (who is Jewish) just brought in some leftovers from his fast breaking. I get the gefilte fish, which I love and which nobody else in the office (or, apparently, in his home) likes. Yum!
Meg,
My wife and I enjoy My Name Is Earl and I've been a fan of Jason Lee since his skating days.
As for trying to be better, yeah, every day is a chance to improve, to hone our souls. Dig that.
Melinda,
Thanks, that's very sweet of you, I appreciate it more than you'd imagine.
Jim,
Yeah, Catholicism is very cool. I wish Judaism included a more frequent confessional institution.
Also, we can't confess to a rabbi, which I would think would be less intimidating than confessing directly to G-d.
Also, we don't have rosary beads, which I think are awesome, because I have trouble with math, and also because I love fiddly things.
As for the fish known as Gefilte, I love it, especially with a touch of horseradish sauce. Jew food may be weird sometimes, but it's really good!
As an aside, I'm on the other side of the country from my mother, who is heading into latke season. I am bummed.
ThimBelle,
I think it is totally cool. Your concept of incorporating various cultures in your philosophy is brilliant. Feel free to ask me questions about Yom Kippur or any other Jewish concept.
I agree with you about Earl. I hope that others receive inspiration from that show and make better choices about karma.
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