Yom Kippur is on the horizon and so I read two books to the kids that touched on the choices we make and the power of forgiveness.
The first was relatively new — YOM KIPPUR SHORTSTOP by David A. Adler. What do you do when the most important Little League game of the year falls on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar? Similar to the quandary faced by world-famous ball player Sandy Koufax, Jacob must make a tough decision — which team is more important to him?
Our 2nd book was tried and true SAMMY SPIDER’S FIRST YOM KIPPUR by Sylvia Rouss.
Of course, Josh and Sammy learn all about saying “I’m sorry”, but the bigger lesson they learn is the importance of mechila (forgiveness). Teshuva (repentance) is a two-way street; if teshuva is sincere and lasting, then the wronged person is REQUIRED to offer mechila, bringing healing to both sides. See the following for more info: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/…/is-forgiveness…/
Tzom kal and gamar chatima v’tova — Easy fast and may you be sealed for good [in the Book of Life].