forgiveness – holy scribbles

parasha Vayechi 5784

“Although you intended me harm, G-d intended it for good.”

– Genesis 50:20, JPSN

Joseph recognized the divine nature of the events that led to his ascendency to becoming the viceroy of Egypt. It was solely G-d’s guidance of events that brought something good out of what appeared to be evil. His brother’s jealousy toward him, served as a catalyst to set events in motion that brought Joseph to Egypt. So, he could not judge them, nor feel resentment toward them, because there was a higher plan working through the actions that they took against him twenty-two years prior to their moving to Egypt to receive G-d’s providence in the land of Goshen.

The famine compelled them, at the behest of their father Jacob to seek rations in Egypt. Yet, H’Shem provided for them, in a manner beyond their expectations, for the entire famine. This shows that G-d always has in mind what is best for us, despite our flaws. He will bring about a way for us to realize our faults, and turn toward Him, in the spirit of teshuvah (repentance). And, He will forgive us for our wrong-doings.

In like manner that Joseph forgave his brothers, we can be assured of HaShem’s forgiveness, when we humble ourselves before Him, in acknowledgment of our sins. Oseph, who suffered at the hands of his brothers forgave them. And the L-RD, Who is grieved by our unruly natures and obstinacy will forgive us as well, when we make a sincere repentance.

We must change our lives, day by day, growing closer to G-d, through our awareness of our shortcomings, and the mending of our souls. This is tikkun hanefesh – the repair of the soul. Our path leads us toward the righteousness, that can only be acquired in tandem with G-d’s help. If we cooperate with His will for us, He will draw us ever closer to Him.

Atonement for Negative Thoughts

weekly Torah reading: parasha Vayikra

– Atonement for Negative Thoughts

“If one’s offering [korban] is an elevation offering [olah].”

– Leviticus 1:3

The Hebrew word korban, meaning “offering,” is derived from the shoresh (root word) קרב, meaning “to draw near.” Thus it is implied that an offering serves “to bring us closer to G-d as well as to elevate us” (R’ Hirsch). The olah (elevation offering) has the potential to raise the spiritual level of the person who brings that offering. R’ Hirsch further comments that the offering’s name reflects its purpose, which is to raise its owner from the status of a sinner and bring him to a state of spiritual elevation.

Additionally, the olah is brought by someone who seeks to repent of sinful thoughts that have not actually been enacted. The olah offering may serve as an atonement for those negative thoughts, that seem to involuntary present themselves at times in a person’s mind. This would include the imagination; especially, if one permits the imagination to entertain these negative thoughts.

It is interesting to note that the righteous Iyov (Job; see Ezekiel 14:20, Job 1:1), “would rise early in the morning, and offer burnt offerings [olot, from olah]” for his children, because he said to himself, “it may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed G-d in their hearts” (Job 1:5, Tanach). Iyov made olah offerings for his children, on a continual basis, always after the days of their feasting (see Job 1:4-5). How much more so, should we in our own lives ask forgiveness of G-d for the sinful thoughts in our hearts.