Sin, Atonement, and Forgiveness: Kol Nidre 5777 Sermon

Sin, Atonement, and Forgiveness: Kol Nidre 5777 Sermon

Rabbi Robin S. Sparr: Gutt yontif. Last year in this slot, I talked about forgiveness, and how difficult it can be to forgive in a genuine and healing way. This year, I’d like to take a step back, look before forgiveness, and to focus instead on the idea of SIN. What is a sin? What does the word really mean? The dictionary defines sin as “an offense against God, religion, or good morals.” But somehow, the word “sin” makes many of us uncomfortable. We may bristle, or cower, at the word “sin.” It feels like an old fashioned word, a descriptor for truly unspeakable acts, something dark and ominous. In our old, recently retired, machzor, Gates of Repentance, we encountered the word “sin” dozens and dozens – perhaps hundreds – of times. Surely, each of us is deeply flawed, entertaining dark thoughts and feelings, and often acting in ways that do not represent our highest ideals. But the multiple recountings of our long lists...
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From the Rabbi – September 2016

From the Rabbi – September 2016

Greetings, dear friends! We think of summer as a time to reconnect with family and friends, have a bit of a break from academic year routines, visit vacation locales near and far, and take everything at a slower pace. I hope each one of you has set aside some time for rest, peace, and rejuvenation during these summer months, and that you are feeling ready to shift into the beauties and blessings of autumn. (more…)...
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