The seriousness of the Ten Days of Repentance

Hi,

"Once, during the Ten Days of Repentance, they inquired in the synagogue regarding an object that had been lost. They invoked a cherem [decree excommunicating anyone who knew the object's whereabouts and did not tell]. Mahari Segal was outraged at the person who did this, saying that it is not appropriate to investigate with a cherem during that time period, when people's lives are in jeopardy."

(Maharil, Hilchot Aseret Yemei Teshuvah 5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Succot: Repentance generated by love

Hi,

"It appears correct to me that in the days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur each person's eyes are open to examine his ways and return to Gd, each person according to his insight will be praised... and one who trembles at the word of Gd will act according to the heights of his insight to repair that which he had corrupted. This is repentance generated by awe.

"After Yom Kippur, when people become involved with succah and lulav and the four species... then this repentance is repentance generated by love."

(R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, Kedushat Levi for Shabbat Shuvah)

Moadim l'simchah,
Mordechai

Gd's embrace of Teshuvah [Repentance]

Hi,

"When does Gd make Himself available for individuals to seek Him out (as opposed to communities, for whom Gd always makes Himself available)?

"During the ten days between Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur."

(Talmud, Yevamot 49b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai