On Yom Kippur, the Cohen Gadol would say אחת, ושלש אחת , ושתים אחת, ואחת אחת, אחת … וארבע
The Imrei Emes explains that the most precious moment for Hashem is when one makes a strong resolve to improve his ways. Afterwards, he may have ups and downs, but it is this first firm resolve which is so precious to Hashem. That is the reason the Cohen Gadol continually repeats achas (one) representing that first moment that he accepted upon himself to improve his ways.
On Yom Kippur, the cohen gadol pronounces Hashem’s name of י-ה-ו-ה (pronouncing the name as it is written) ten times. That is: 26 x 10 = 260. עין , eye, is gematriya 130. There are two eyes, which add up to 260. This indicates that when one guards his eyes, he is compared to the cohen gadol, who does the service on Yom Kippur. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita
If life were one long day, we would be crushed beneath the weight of all the sins we had committed “today.” It is only because we can attribute our sins to “yesterday” that we can go forward with today. ~ R’ Shraga Silverstein zt”l
A long life is not good enough. But a good life is long enough.
~ A quote that Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis found from her late husband following his death as told by R’ Paysach Krohn
The fact that according to most opinions, Teshuva is included as one of the 613 mitzvos should make it clear to each one of us that no one is perfect. Hashem expects man to sin. We should therefore take comfort in this, do teshuva, which is what Hashem wants, and be confident that we will be forgiven.
In the Viduy we ask forgiveness, “For the sin that we have sinned through evil talk.” The saintly Chafetz Chaim remarked, “With the approach of the Yomim Noraim, people resort to all kinds of expedients and practices to be inscribed for a good year. They go to Tashlich, they perform the kaparos ritual, and so on. Why don’t they also think of the simple remedy of not listening to lashon hara, gossip and tale-bearing? For in return, the Heavenly Judge will turn a deaf ear to Satan’s accusations and grant them a good year.”
Mincha of Erev Rosh Hashana is said in the very last minutes of the year. Yet in the Shemoneh Esrei of this final Mincha we pray “Bless on our behalf – O Hashem, our God – this year…,” though all that is left of the year are just a few short minutes!
This teaches us that every minute counts, as our Sages put it, “Yeshuas Hashem keheref ayin, Hashem’s help comes in the blink of an eye.” Even in the last minute of the year, His salvation can come in an instant. ~ R’ Shalom of Belz – The Sar Shalom
Shana Tova to everyone!
What is the difference between children and adults?
Adults keep grudges. Children do not. Why is that?
Because children choose being happy over being right. Adults choose being right over being happy.
~ Tzemech Tzedeck
Even Yom Kippur can only atone for sins between man and God. Now is the time to reach out and beg others for forgiveness and make peace.
When you pray, trust that Hashem will listen to your prayers and do what’s best for you; not what you think is best. ~ paraphrased from R’ Avigdor Miller zt”l
I try to post this every year before Rosh Hashana because it is just such an amazing opportunity that everyone should try to take advantage of right now.
Many years ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe established “Keren Hashana,” a fund that will disburse your tzedaka (charity) to worthy causes, daily, giving you the benefit of this mitzvah every day of the year!
You can give as little as 10 cents per day ($35.40 for the year) for you and each of your family members to ensure that you and your family don’t go a day without giving tzedaka.
While I normally pay for each of my children to participate in this great mitzvah, this year, they decided to use their own money and are so excited about the idea.
Right now, before Rosh Hashana is the perfect time to set it up. You can easily do it online by using this link https://lubavitch.com/donate.html?o=2026760=lubavitch.com1 If you wish, you can then email hq@lubavitch.com to send the names of your family members so that it is clear that the charity is coming from each member of your family. If you prefer to call them, the phone number is 718 774-4000.
Don’t wait! Now is the time to take care of this.
“Causing others to give tzedaka is greater than giving tzedakah yourself” (Bava Basra 9). Therefore, pass this on! By forwarding this to friends and family, who knows how many people will sign up for this great mitzvah and how much of an effect it will have on your neshama going into Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Emuna Daily 