By Rabbi Zvi Miller

Rav and Rosh Kollel of Beis Midrash Tiferes Yisrael

As we prepare for Rosh HaShanah, the Day of Judgement, we strive to uplift and better ourselves. What is the secret of making real improvements both in character traits as well as deeds? The Torah illuminates an innovative path of repentance that is positive and powerfully effective. We are familiar with the narrative of the offerings of Cain and Abel. HaShem accepted Abel’s generous offering, yet rejected Cain’s meager one.

When Cain realized that HaShem did not accept his sacrifice, he became angry and depressed. HaShem consoled him, “If you want to improve, elevate yourself” (Bereishis 4:7 ). HaShem revealed to him that man’s core, his holy soul, is infinitely good. Therefore, if a man will embrace his inherent goodness, HaShem considers him a new creation. As a result, his previous misdeeds are no longer associated with him. Just as he accesses his pure goodness, so too, HaShem transforms all of his misdeeds to Mitzvot!

The inherent holiness of our souls has sufficient power to heal every imperfection and misdeed. Repentance is the process of overcoming our negative tendencies by recognizing and embracing our holy soul. By doing so, you spontaneously sanctify yourself, and HaShem in His infinite compassion transforms all our misdeeds to Mitzvot. 

(Based on the commentary of the Tomer Devorah and the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh)

The Salant Foundation

Rav Yisrael Salanter started the Mussar Movement to guide all Jews in the Holy process of growth. His teachings enable anyone to change and move in a positive direction. 

For over two decades, the Salant Foundation, using modern-day technology, shares this message all over the world. The initiatives of the Salant Foundation, include publications, live seminars, daily lessons via Email- Instagram-WhatsApp, and Tiferes Yisrael Beit Midrash in Eretz Yisrael.

To sign up for the Salant Foundation’s daily “eMussar” lessons, please send email to [email protected], and type “subscribe” in the subject line.

Elul Opportunity

Share in the Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah via a special raffle where you have a chance to win a Sefer Torah, Ashkenaz or Sephardic that was written in Israel. The prize includes a round trip ticket to Israel to pick up your Torah. The Torah can then be donated to the Shul or institution of your choice. Only 613 tickets will be sold!

All participants will receive an advance copy of the new Salant Foundation book on the Parashot and a certificate indicating your fulfillment of the 613th mitzvah: writing a Sefer Torah.

This campaign is scheduled to run until Erev Yom Kippur with the drawing on Erev Sukkot on October 10, 2019.

Please click the link below to participate in this special Elul opportunity.

https://salantfoundation.org