It's so easy to screw up. Apologies are more difficult. Sometimes it's even harder for the person getting the apology to accept it. Oy. It's complicated. Luckily, Judaism is here to help.
Forgiveness? We have a whole holiday dedicated to it.
According to the Torah, we’re forbidden from taking revenge or holding grudges. If only it were that easy, right? Jewish law also says that while only God can forgive sins against God, only people can forgive the sins against them. (So you can’t just apologize to God when you’ve said something awful to your husband. Well, you can but it probably won’t make your husband feel any better.) Also, apologies need to be real and heartfelt, which can be a challenge. The good news is that if you apologize to someone three times and they still don’t forgive you, you have fulfilled your obligation, as long as you really meant it. (So, if you’re one of those people who just loves a grudge, lighten up.) Here are some readings and quotes that can help you on your way when you’re trying to find the best way to say you’re sorry.
As Sir Elton says, "Sorry seems to be the hardest word."
These readings will help you clean up your s*#t with the people in your life, and maybe with yourself.
Why make an account and save your favorite JewBelong stuff? Because someday Jack is going to get off his ass and pop the question and you’re going to get to plan that wedding you've been thinking about since third grade.
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Because why use any of your precious brain cells to remember where you kept those great readings that you’ll use someday at Jeffrey’s B Mitzvah? Make an account, keep the readings there. Easy peasy. The only thing you’ll need to remember is your password, and from personal experience that’s hard enough.
Hey, can you watch the phones on Friday? We have a thing.