CBI Blogs

On Fridays, we email two Elul Thoughts, out of respect for those of us who choose not to look at email on Shabbat. We wish you a blessed and restful Shabbat and hope you continue finding inspiration in our Elul Thoughts.

September 20-21, 2024/17-18 Elul 5784
Rabbi Batsheva Appel

Is such the fast I desire,
A day for people to starve their bodies?...

No, this is the fast I desire:
To unlock fetters of wickedness,
And untie the cords of the yoke
To let the oppressed go free;
To break off every yoke. [Isaiah 58:5-6]

The juxtaposition of these two verses makes for powerful oratory. God asking us, and we generally hear these verses while fasting on Yom Kippur, essentially, “What do you think you are doing? Did I ask for this?” And then answering, “No. You’ve got it all wrong and this is what to do instead.” As a rebuke, it sizzles with anger and disappointment.

It is to share your bread with the hungry,
And to take the wretched poor into your home;
When you see the naked, to clothe them,
And not to ignore your own kin. 

Then shall your light burst through like the dawn
And your healing spring up quickly…[Isaiah 58:7-8]

The description of righteousness and justice that the Eternal is demanding of us goes from the general to the particular; from explaining our obligations as a community to our obligations as individuals. We are being told, in the words of Bryan Stevenson, of the necessity of getting proximate. By being proximate to those on the margins of society, we learn the causes of injustice and can enact some measure of justice, in effect breaking off every yoke. 

When we do the work of justice, speedy healing is possible. It all depends on us.

Shaliach Tzibbur Raymond Zachary

Healing rifts among people, especially through a Jewish lens, is about embracing core values that can guide us in mending broken relationships. In Jewish tradition, concepts like teshuvah (repentance) and shalom bayit (peace in the home) offer practical insights for overcoming conflicts.

The process often begins with teshuvah, where we acknowledge our role in the conflict and make a genuine effort to apologize, make amends, and correct the behavior that caused the rift so it does not occur again. This isn’t just about saying sorry but about taking real steps to repair the damage done. It’s a way to show that we value the relationship and are committed to moving forward.

Practicing shalom bayit teaches us that peace is something we actively work towards. When faced with a rift, we must approach the situation with an open mind and a willingness to understand the other person’s point of view. This means setting aside our own frustrations to really listen, relate, and empathize.

Additionally, chesed (loving-kindness) plays a crucial role. It encourages us to act with compassion and respect, even when it's challenging. By showing kindness and striving to understand each other, we can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and stronger connections.

Ultimately, healing rifts involves embracing these principles to rebuild trust and harmony. It’s about putting in the effort to repair relationships, guided by values that foster peace and mutual respect. For the love of God, let us love one another.