The Torah stresses that we are a part of the community. The fact that even someone who lives off charity is required to tithe is important. We are all responsible for the upkeep of the community.
Tag: Repentance
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Punishment in the Torah
In the view of the Torah a thief has to repay his victim for what he has stolen. Just sitting in jail is not enough. He caused damage to the victim and until the victim has forgiven him, he is not forgiven.
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Being Responsible for Our Actions
The sin offering is brought for an unintentional sin. That is something that happened but was not intended. It is not an accident but it caused damage either spiritually or physically. We are still responsible for our actions.
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True Repentance
When Judah confronts Joseph concerning Banjamin Joseph realizes that Judah has repented for his earlier actions. It is not enough to say “sorry”, you have to show through your actions that you have repented.
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Admonish the Sinner with Kindness
פרשת נח / כ”ט בתשרי תשפ”ג
The Dimensions of the Ark were 30 x 300 x 50 which equal the numerical value of lashon (ל=30ת ש=300ת ן=50) meaning tongue or language. This was to teach Noah that he had to admonish the people to repent from their ways.
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When Are Really Judged?
פרשת האזנו / ט’ בתשרי תשפ”ג
We usually think that our judgement is sealed on Yom Kippur. The truth is that the final judgement is on Simhat Torah. The reason is that on Yom Kippur we are on our best behavior but on Simhat Torah we are drinking and eating and carrying on. How do we behave then?
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God Wants Actions, Not Words
פרשת האזינו / ח’ בתשרי תשפ”ג
The key to the Yom Kippur service is that we read the Book of Jonah at Minha on that day. Jonah is called upon to announce to the Assyrians that they have to repent. When recounting the story, the Book of Jonah does not talk about their prayers but about their actions.
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Your Destiny is Up to You
פרשת האזינו / ז’ בתשרי תשפ”ג
There is no Hebrew word for tragedy. Thhis is because there is no concept of humans being fated to their destiny. We can change our destiny through our actions.
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What Does God Want of Us
פרשת וילך / ד’ בתשרי תשפ”ג
This is the period of repentance. The main theme is that God wants us to behave well with our fellow man. The questions that we will be asked when we get to the next world will be how we treated our fellow. Not if we believe.
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Overcome Your Flaws
פרשת ניצבים / כ”ו באלול תשפ”ב
It is interesting to note that it is not enough for one to say that they are sorry for their sins. They have to first recognize their mistake and repent for it. The apology has to be heartfelt. That all our Biblical leaders were flawed but they overcame their flaws.