A few years ago a close friend and I had a disagreement. Due to circumstances beyond our control, a friendship of over 20 years was affected. For years we would greet each other with a cold nod. Each time we saw each other the atmosphere thickened with tension. Finally, I decided to ask my Rabbis advice on the best way to handle the situation. His advice was to forgive my friend and notice the power of forgiveness. He told me that's what G-d wants. Without wasting any time, I confronted my friend and we forgave each other. The air of tension immediately transformed into a night of fun and laughter. I realized the best way to heal a cycle of pain is to forgive. The power of forgiveness heals the mind and the soul.

"Love your neighbor as you love yourself, I am Hashem" (Vayikra 19:18).

"Blessed are You, Hashem, the gracious One, who forgives abundantly".

In the sixth blessing of the Amidah, we beseech G-d to forgive all of our sins. We refer to Him as our father. G-d forgives us like a father forgives a son. The first step towards forgiveness is confessing our sins. Confessing our sins humbles us before the Almighty.

"For on this day he shall provide atonement for you to cleanse you; from all your sins before Hashem shall you be cleansed". (Vayikra 16:30)

Forty days after we received the Torah, the children of Israel built the golden calf and worshipped it. G-d wanted to start a new lineage through Moshe and destroy the nation.   Moshe pleaded with G-d to forgive the nation and grant them another chance. On Yom Kippur Day, G-d forgave Israel and sent Moshe down with a new set of tablets. Yom Kippur is the day set for the Jewish nation to atone for its sins. On that day, G-d absolves all sin and forgives all. However, G-d does not forgive sins between two disputed parties. Sins between two parties are the responsibility of the individuals involved.  

"You shall not hate your brother in your heart; You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge" (Vayikra 19:17-18)

A touch of pride prevents one to forgive. A humble person has an easier time forgiving others. The story of Joseph teaches us the power of forgiveness.  The brothers of Joseph mishandled Joseph tremendously. Joseph, with his humility was able to notice it was all part of G-d's plan and forgave his brothers. The best antidote for pride is humility. A humble person overcomes his pride and forgives others.

"Master of the universe, I forgive anyone who angered me or antagonized me or sinned against me" (Prayer before retiring to bed).

In order to ensure a restful sleep, we should not bear a grudge against anyone. The power of forgiveness gives us peace of mind and love for all. If we are able to forgive, we can be assured that Hashem will reciprocate and pardon our transgressions.

"How good and how pleasant is the dwelling of brothers, moreover in unity" (Tehilim 133:1).

The power of forgiveness creates unity amongst families, friends and acquaintances.

One of the best ways to receive grace in G-d's eyes is to forgive others. With forgiveness, we can stand as a united nation before the Almighty and pray for the rebuilding of Jerusalem speedily in our time. Amen.

Regards,
Norman D. Levy