According to the Kabbalah, human actions reflect in a cosmic way. The Kabbalistic tradition assigns great responsibility to human beings, teaching that we humans must begin things. Rather than thinking we can simply pray that we be forgiven for our many failings, our mystical tradition insists that we must begin by giving forgiveness to others and to ourselves. We need to express the energies we wish to receive. So at Selihot we are asking forgiveness by encouraging ourselves to forgive.

Our rational mind often thinks that if we forgive someone, we'll be letting them get away with something. How can we forgive the wrong another has done to us? But the deeper truth is that our inability and unwillingness to forgive eats away at our own beings. To forgive is not to forget, it is not to deny what has taken place. To forgive is to let go of needing the past to be different than it was. To forgive is to release ourselves from the additional burdens of resentment and anger.

RIBONO SHEL OLAM
A central prayer we share at Selihot begins, Ribono shel olam — literally, “Master of the Universe.” These three words made up the mantra of the 18th century Hasidic Master, Reb Nachman of Bratslav, and are a reminder that there is a greater Being, a greater Presence, a greater Way, in Whom, through Whom, as Whom, all else exists. Ribono shel olam — because there is a greater Presence in this universe, we are able to open ourselves in prayer, we are able to connect ourselves with that Presence.

Ribono shel olam is the One Whom we address as we announce our willingness to forgive those who have hurt us, those who have done us wrong. We pray that no person be harmed on our account. Only after encouraging our forgiveness of others does the prayer continue with asking forgiveness for ourselves.

In many prayer books this prayer appears with the night time Sh'ma. Can you imagine speaking words of forgiveness every night before going to bed? Can you imagine the lightness of heart and of mind – the consequence of letting go of the righteous indignation and the resentments we carry? Can you imagine allowing that lightness right now?

It is crucial to remember that the means and the ends on a spiritual path are always the same. If we seek forgiveness, we must choose to forgive. If we seek love, we must seek to love.

BEGIN FROM WHERE YOU ARE
Each of us must begin from where we are, and trust that the energies of an open heart will support greater compassion and love on a cosmic scale.

Take these days leading into the New Year to say, “I'm sorry,” and to ask for forgiveness. And take these days to challenge yourself to forgive those you have not forgiven. Remember that forgiving does not excuse the act; it does not deny past pain, it just releases us from adding pain to pain.

In the days to come, allow yourself to release the pains of resentment and self-recrimination. Allow yourself to awaken on the other side of the need to be forgiven or the need to forgive. Imagine that you are fully available to bless and to receive blessing.

Holy One of Being, may we utilize this holy time to discover more deeply the One we are, to celebrate more deeply our Way. May we find the wisdom and the courage to choose according to the integrity of our beings. And may we together walk the Way of Blessing as we go from strength to Strength, from love to Love, and from life to Life.