B"H
Friday, Elul 6, 5782 / September 2, 2022
This week’s Parsha is Shoftim (judges). The Torah commands that when Jews come into the Promised Land, they should appoint judges in every city and the judges should judge honestly and justly.
We are now in the month of Elul. Elulis known as the month of Teshuva (return/repentance) when we prepare for the new year. During this time, we should be especially careful how we judge others because G-d's conduct with us is measure for measure. If we judge others favorably, G-d does the same with us.
The saintly Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, of blessed memory, was known for his great love for every Jew. He always looked at everyone favorably. Even when one committed a sin, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was able to judge the person in a positive light.
Once Rabbi Levi Yitzchak met a Jew who was known in the community as one who had committed almost every sin prohibited by the Torah. People in the community wanted nothing to do with him.
Yet, the rabbi greeted him warmly, inquiring about his and his family's health. Once, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak said to him, "I very much envy you! You have the potential to attain such a high level of Gan Eden (paradise) which I cannot even imagine obtaining."
"Rabbi, why are you making fun of me?" complained the sinner. "You know that I have committed every sin in the Holy Book. I don't even attend synagogue on the High Holidays. How can I attain a greater share in the World-to-Come than you?"
"I will explain," replied Rabbi Levi Yitzchak. "The Talmud says that when a person repents sincerely for his sins, not out of fear of punishment, but out of sincere love of G-d, then ALL his sins become transformed into mitzvot.”
"Now, if you decide to do Teshuva properly, all your sins will be transformed into mitzvot. Imagine how many mitzvot you will suddenly have. You will have many more mitzvot than I. Now you understand that I'm not mocking you, rather I'm showing what a great opportunity you have to correct your past."
Rabbi Zushe of Anipol, a disciple of the Magid of Mezritch, once saw a man waiting his turn to see the Magid of Mezritch. Rabbi Zushe, through Divine intuition, saw that this man had committed grave sins. Rabbi Zushe said to him, "How can a sinner of your caliber dare approach the Rebbe before repenting for your sins?"
However, as soon as Rabbi Zushe uttered these words, he regretted saying them and embarrassing that person. He was very disturbed and asked his Rebbe what he must do to correct what he did.
The Magid then blessed Rabbi Zushe that from then on, he shall never see anything bad in any Jew. "In the future you shall see only the good in people." Indeed, from that day on Rabbi Zushe was incapable of seeing any faults in others. He only saw their good and noble deeds.
The month of Elul is a time when we should judge others favorably, thus invoking G-d's mercy to see only the good in us and grant us a happy, healthy, prosperous and sweet New Year.
SHABBAT SHALOM & SHANA TOVA
Montreal candle lighting time: 7:12 / Shabbat ends: 8:14