The most famous Jewish heretic - Elisha Ben Abuyah who was known as acher (meaning other)- rode his horse past the Holy Temple on Yom Kippur, when it fell out on Shabbat, during the time that the High Priest was bringing the ritual sacrifice. He chose the convergence of the holiest time, place and action - as the best time to publicly violate the holiday. And then it happened. He heard a voice from the heavens descend and state; all the Jews are welcome to be forgiven on Yom Kippur except for Acher. Acher was his nickname - his potential repentance, he understood, would not be accepted. Must have been a pretty holy heretic - when was the last time you heard a heavenly voice? The gates of heaven were closed only to Acher (the outsider) not to Elisha Ben Abuyah himself. If he would so choose to realign himself with rest of the nation his potential repentance would also be accepted. (Indeed some opinions say that he did ultimately repent) The only person that can issue the title outsider, is the individual him or herself. Not only is it important to remember that we are not outsiders its equally important to make sure that no body in our extended community ever feels like an outsider. Have and easy Fast! Candle Lighting Friday Night is at 6:17pm Fast Begins Friday Night at 6:31pm Fast Ends Sat. Night at 7:13pm
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 04:01:38 +0000
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