We Shall Forgive

“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”

William Arthur Ward


There are some people who hold on to anger and resentment. This causes much emotional and physical suffering to the bearers. I wish that people would just let go of their negative feelings. The way to accomplish this is to ask forgiveness from those to whom we caused harm and to forgive those who ask us for forgiveness.

There is a bumper sticker that was popular in Israel that says [about the events surrounding Gush Katif] "lo nishkash lo nislach" - we won't forget we won't forgive. Putting aside for a moment the horrible, cruel injustice that was perpetrated against the sweet and precious Jews of Gush Katif, the sentiment rubs me as very non-jewish. Hashem forgives us for sins even worse that what was done there. Of course the perpetrators didn't ask forgiveness and the people are still suffering and therefore they don't deserve to be forgiven, but I would have preferred a bumper sticker that would have said - "Ta'asu teshuva" or something to that effect.

Our motto in life is "nislach" - we forgive! In that merit people will come together, fractured relationships will be mended and we will see the Geulah Hashleima -

AMEN!!!