The last Mishnah in the Tractate of Ta’anit states:

Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel says, “There were never happier days for the Jews like the fifteen of Av and Yom Kippur”

And why is Yom Kippur one of the happiest days?

Because, the Talmud explains, on this day we can have our sins forgiven.

Now, having our sins forgiven doesn’t come easily. We have to take upon ourselves some tough undertakings, repenting, asking forgiveness of our fellow-men and of God, and on Yom Kippur we have to afflict our souls which translates to fasting, no wearing of leather shoes, no washing, no perfumes or lotions, no marital relations. But if we do all of these whole heartedly, we can redeem ourselves, and get a second chance. Which is a big thing.

How many times in life do you get a second chance even if you try very hard? Well, if you’re Jewish, you get judged every single year on Rosh Hashanah and you can get a second chance, every single year, on Yom Kippur.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you Shanah Tova and Gmar Chatima Tova – May you have a Good Year and May you be sealed in the book of Life.

Sources and Related Posts:

• The Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur
• Yom Kippur
• Day of Judgement
• Asking Forgiveness
• Kol Nidrei
• Shofar
• Yizkor