CBI Blogs

September 12, 2024/9 Elul 5784
Rabbi Alan Cook

​​In the traditional weekday Amidah, the seventh blessing carries the overall theme of redemption. But its text has a more explicit ask of God than salvation. R’eh na b’oneinu v’riva riveinu, it states: “Look upon our suffering and resolve all of our quarrels.”

We know that this is merely the metaphorical language of prayer. Neither God, or anyone else, will fight our battles for us. We must find the strength and courage not only to fight our own battles, but to seek reconciliation where it is possible. 

Elton John and Bernie Taupin opined that “Sorry seems to be the hardest word,” and it is true that it can be exceptionally difficult to swallow our pride and admit when we have been in the wrong. But it can be equally difficult, when we feel that we have been slighted or wounded in some manner, to accept even the most contrite of apologies from the one who perpetrated the hurt. 

The Mishnah teaches, “For transgressions between an individual and God, Yom Kippur will atone. But for transgressions between two human beings, Yom Kippur does not atone, until the parties have made an effort to resolve the conflict.” We are called upon to take that first step. Neither God, or anyone else, will do it for us.