Thursday, September 17, 2009

Forgiveness

Hi,

Yom Kippur canot atone for sins between one person and another, however
minor the offense, until the offending party has appeased the offended
party. The offender must pursue the offended, approaching him as many as
three times apologizing and requesting forgiveness. Each time, he should
bring different people with him to help him.

The offended party is not allowed to be cruel and withhold forgiveness. If
the offended party does not forgive after three times, the offender has
fulfilled his obligation.

There are exceptions to this rule:
1. One may withhold forgiveness if he does so to help the offender.
2. One may withhold forgiveness if the offense caused a bad reputation for
the offended party; all the people who heard about the bad reputation are
not present at the time when the apology is offered.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 606:1; Mishneh Berurah 606:1-11)

May we be inscribed and sealed for a happy and healthy new year,
Mordechai

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