One of the great photographs that imprinted itself on my mind is the one of a smiling Harry Truman holding up a newspaper declaring that Dewey (not Truman) was the new president. I understand the dilemma of the newspaper. They have a deadline and they need to print news while it is still news! So, they hedge their bets, make their best guess, and now and again they get it wrong. Like with Truman.
I think of this as we approach the Days of Awe. I particularly am drawn toUnetaneh tokef, which tell us that our personal sinfulness does not have to be meted out as punishment. “How many shall leave this world, and how many shall be born; who shall live and who shall die, who in the fullness of years and who before, who by fire and who by water… but teshuva, tefila, and tzedaka can avert the harsh decree.“ These are powerful, resonant words that stir the soul.
Yet, it is a bit like declaring before the ball game or all the ballots are in, who is the winner. How do we know that teshuva, tefilla and tzedaka will avert the harsh decree? Maybe our cousin will get cancer. Good people may starve or otherwise be made to suffer. Anti-Semitism seems to grow stronger every year! Isn’t the Unetaneh tokef, a bit presumptive?
Look closer. The concluding words state, “But teshuva (repentance), tefilla (prayer), and tzedaka can avert the severity of the decree.” This is the most hopeful statement of faith one could ever find.
There are no sureties in life. None of us is guaranteed anything- not health, money, care, or even life. And still the Unetaneh tokef asserts that we still have a choice in what happens to us, or at least how we choose to live through the ordeals of life. We CAN choose to lead a life of introspection; one where we regret the bad choices we made and vow to do better next time; where we pray to God for illumination, blessing and wisdom to lead a decent life; where we choose to love nobly by enhancing the lives of others. This is the real meaning of that prayer- “teshuva, tefilla and tzedaka CAN” make a difference.
It rains on picnics. That is reality. But the rain does not have to decide how we choose to live. Nothing dictates our attitude or the choices we make unless we willfully abdicate that responsibility.
May God’s blessing be upon you in the coming year. And may you bow your head in humble and joyful acceptance of this gift.
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