In the Zohar, there is a wonderful story about the power of forgiveness. It is told that once while the great Rabbi Abba was sitting at the gateway of the Town of Lud, he witness a spectacular turn of events.
First he saw a traveler sit down on a pile of rocks at the edge of a mountain overlooking a cliff. The traveler was so exhausted from his journey that he immediately fell asleep. R. Abba watched this innocuous scene for a bit until to his dismay he saw a deadly snake slither out of the rocks making its way towards to the sleeping man. Before R. Abba could even react, however, he watched as a giant lizard jumped out between the rocks and killed the serpent.
R. Abba continued watching and saw the traveler stand up, notice the beheaded snake lying in front of him, and quickly gathered his possessions to continue his journey. At that instant the pile of rocks he was sitting on collapsed and fell into the ravine below.
As the man was about to wander off, R. Abba ran after him and recounted everything he had witnessed. Then R. Abba asked the man, “My friend to what do you attribute all these miracles that just transpired?”
The traveler feeling the sincerity of R. Abba’s question confides in him.
“Throughout my life I have tried to never harm anyone, and where I have, I’ve always made amends. Never have I gone to sleep without forgiving someone for hurting me in anyway. To anyone who would hurt me, I endeavor, with all my heart, to resolve whatever animosity there is between us. And lastly, I turn hateful situations into doing acts of kindness for the person involved in the misunderstanding.”
When R. Abba heard this he burst into tears. This person’s actions were greater than Joseph. For Joseph had to deal with his brothers; of course he was going to forgive his brothers. But this man forgives anyone and everyone who has harmed him. It is no surprise that God performs miracles on a daily basis for this blessed man.
As we approach these High Holy Days, may we remember that forgiveness happens both ways. Not only are we expected to seek forgiveness from those whom we’ve hurt, but we are also expected to offer forgiveness to those who’ve hurt us. Only then will we have fully repented and earned our inscription in the Book of Life.
Shana Tova Tikateivu
I wish you all a good and sweet year and may you be inscribed for life.
Rabbi Todd