In previous years the transition from Elul to Tishrei has followed a largely predictable pattern. We open books that discuss character development and tackle the topic of Teshuva and change. We realise how difficult it is to change ourselves, yet it remains easy to guide others to change. This year is different. Ma Nishtana Ha’shana hazot mikol Hashanim?
If we cast our minds back twelve months, we might remember the devotional tefilot during the aseret yemei teshiva, the simcha during sukkot that left us feeling elated and spiritually satisfied as we prepared for the final day/s of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah. Twelve months later as we ready ourselves for the haunting traditional melodies alongside modern tunes we might be wondering what is next as we ask ourselves what became of all the tefilot of last year. Furthermore we are living with ideologies and philosophies that preach “cancel culture”, that there is no scope for teshuva and starting again. Mistakes are final with no room for repair. Modern secular culture beckons us to be unforgiving, never allowing a way back echoing the words said by the prostitute to Elazar ben Durdayya “ Just as this passed wind will not return to its place, so too Elazar ben Durdayya will not be accepted in repentance.” The story with Elazar doesn’t end at this point. He realises that he cannot blame his parents, society, his DNA or any external factor. Taking responsibility he recognises “the matter depends on nothing other than myself.” Change is possible, but it remains a mysterious gift.
Chazal make us aware of the mystery and the gift of teshuva when they present a conversation regarding what a sinner should do: “Rabbi Pinchas said: “They inquired of Wisdom, “What is the punishment of a sinner?” Wisdom said: “Evil pursues the wicked”. They inquired of Prophecy, “What is the punishment of the sinner?” Prophecy said, “The sinful soul shall die”. They inquired of the Holy One: “What is the punishment of the sinner?” He said to them “Let him repent and he shall be forgiven”.
There is a certain appeal to the stance taken by Wisdom and Prophecy. When something is not fulfilling its purpose it has no use. Hashem informs us differently as we say in Musaf “And even until his dying day, You wait for him, if he repents, You immediately accept him.” We must enter this year knowing that despite the unbearable pain and suffering we have lived through, divine love and the gift of change is always available. The is true individually and nationally. The stories of heroism, bravery and altruism that have been shared suggest that our people can rebuild and redefine themselves. A new generation that wants to live in harmony with each other, that sees the bonds that unite us rather than what divides. We must challenge ourselves and others with and ask “are we brave enough to share the final words of Elazar ben Durdayya and say to each other “the matter depends on nothing other than myself.” Rabbi Sacks understood the idea as follows: “The responsible life is a life that responds. The Hebrew for responsibility, achrayut, comes from the word acher, meaning “other.” Our great Other is God Himself….. will we follow the voice of God calling on us to make this a more just and gracious world?”
The change we prayed for last year, needs to come from us. What we pray for affirms what we desire. So let us pledge to actualise the tefilot by making the world we dreamt of last year, the dream that turned into a nightmare. It is nearly the dawn of a new year and it is time for us to wake from the nightmare and make the world better. We must be bold and reject negative world views that tells us what we can’t do. If Hashem believes in us, maybe we can learn to believe in ourselves too?
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