Greetings,
This evening marks the beginning of the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. It is a time of introspection, cataloguing of life’s successes and failures, and pursuing self-improvement.
This is not only a time when people are asked to acknowledge their mistakes but also is an opportunity to forgive those who have made mistakes of their own.
In an era that is marked by playing “gotcha” with those who have erred, while we may not forgive an act or a statement, we should forgive the person—particularly in the face of an apology. I find it ironic and sad that many of the same people who decry mass incarceration and unreasonable sentences for those convicted of crimes too often are willing to condemn professors, politicians, pundits and friends—often at the cost of their reputations or employment—solely because of a misplaced word or possessing a view with which someone might disagree. That we have people who can’t seem to move forward beyond the condemnation of others is a peculiar form of cruelty that I don’t understand.
We are all human and, by definition, flawed in many respects. Mistakes are made. Hopefully, we learn from them. While repeated behavior is a different story, a slip of the tongue followed by an apology should be perceived as that, and nothing more.
That’s enough pontificating. To all I may have harmed in the past year, intentionally or inadvertently, I apologize. I’ll try to do better. And to anyone who thinks they have wronged me, I either don’t remember or don’t care, so forget about it!
Warmly,
Glenn
To my new friend and all observing this holiday (Holy Day), I wish you a meaningful fast.