Based on a talk I gave after Kol Nidrei/Ma'ariv at Madraigos Yom Kippur services in Lawrence NY last year.

 

 

Kol Nidrei begins with a proclamation from the three-man Beis Din (Rabbinic Court) - the one leading the prayers flanked by the two elders of the community. In it they state that they "give permission [for us] to pray together with the sinners (anu matirin l'hispalel im ho'avaryanim)."

 

Upon analysis, two questions beg to be answered:

 

1)      Our sages inform us that no humans are free of sins, so to whom is Beis Din speaking? After all, aren't we all sinners?

2)      It seems that Beis Din has it backwards - it should be telling the sinners that on this holy day of Yom Kippur, they are permitted to pray with righteous people. Why are they telling the people in Shul that they may pray with sinners?

 I would like to suggest an alternative understanding of those words. Perhaps the term "avaryanim" doesn't refer to sinners but rather to people who are preoccupied with addressing their sins. Just like bricklayers are people who work with bricks and shoemakers are folks who work with shoes; maybe "avaryanim" are people who don't ignore the carnage caused by their sins, but rather work to undo that damage.  

 

You see, people my age really don't want to change much. We have already made peace with our shortcomings and don't have the courage to undergo grueling self-evaluation at this point in our lives.  

 

You, on the other hand, who are in recovery from your addictions, don't have the luxury of ignoring your flaws - because you will destroy your lives and maybe even die chas v'shalom if you fall off the wagon and don't keep things under control.  

 

Maybe that's what Beis Din is saying to the middle-age people in the front rows of the Shul - we are giving you permission to pray with and learn from the people who are dealing with their sins this evening. Get rid of your complacency and pride and take advantage of this holy day to really change and improve your lives.  

 

Another terrifying thought came to my mind during Kol Nidrei, namely that perhaps Beis Din is addressing the community leaders in the front rows. They are telling us to spend time with the sinners on Yom Kippur because we just might share some of the blame for the misdeeds the members of our flock have committed.  

 

All of you came to our schools as young children who were inquisitive and eager to learn. If you failed to achieve success in schools, maybe, just maybe, people like me have a level of responsibility for at least part of that failure. Those of you who were harmed and even abused by adults in your childhood years - we most certainly should have done more to protect you.

 

My dear, beloved children; please forgive us for our shortcomings. Stay strong and stay committed to your recovery. The Jewish people need each and every one of you. From the depths of my soul I beg you to support each other, and to reach out for help if you are hurting or if you feel yourself slipping back into the vortex of addiction.  

 

As we all stand in judgment before our Maker today, allow me to give you a humble and sincere blessing for a year of growth, health and success. May Hashem answer all our prayers and may each and every one of you continue on the path that will lead you to beautiful, meaningful lives.

 

Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.