THE GATEWAY TO YOM KIPPUR #YOMKIPPUR #SPARK Just as the World to Come is so sacred that it cannot be approached without the preparatory phase of this world (cf. Avos 4:16 comparing this world to a corridor that opens into the palace), so too the most hallowed of days, Yom Kippur – which itself is compared to the World to Come – can only be approached through the intermediary of Erev Yom Kippur. By eating on Erev Yom Kippur with the intention of performing a mitzvah (not to satisfy physical cravings), we prepare ourselves on this earth for the microcosm of the World to Come – that totally spiritual occasion, Yom Kippur. By extension, we may argue that all the pleasures of this world are merely a prelude to – and a means of attaining – the true bliss of the World to Come. The analogy to a cover or an outer layer of clothing would also be apt: This world and its comforts are little more than a surface cover, which when removed reveals an inner depth and beauty – the World to Come. In this light, we can derive a new interpretation of the famed Rabbincal saying, מקום שבעלי תשובה עומדין צדיקים גמורים אינם עומדיו The place where baalei teshuva stand, (even) the totally righteous do not stand (Berachos 34b). Whereas the righteous dwell in a totally spiritual world, the Jewish people prior to Yom Kippur successfully manage the transition from the material pleasure of Erev Yom Kippur to the rarefied spirituality of Yom Kippur itself. Source: Days of Awe - ArtScroll Gmar Chasima Tova - May Hashem seal the inscription for you, your entire family, and all those who are dear to you for a healthy, happy, prosperous and sweet new year and may we see the redemption through Moshiach immediately!
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:19:45 +0000