Ki Teitze 5773 - English

By Rabbi Daniel A. Kripper

Beth Israel - Aruba.

The first topic of this parsha, which gives this Torah portion its name, speaks about the possibility of a war with an outside enemy, but our sages uncover in this story a reference to the forces that interfere with our realization path.

During this time of preparation for the Yamim Noraim, our tradition instructs us to make a spiritual assessment of ourselves, known as a cheshbon nefesh. 

We reflect on the year that ends, we review our offenses, and focus our energy in how can we do better next year, despite the negative inclinations that nest inside ourselves.

Even though the majority of us have committed offenses several times, Rabbi 

Shraga Simmons warns us against trying to change drastically and excessively. 

He suggests: “Don’t try to conquest too many things at a time, consider that it can be overwhelming. On the other hand, choose those areas that reach closer to the root of your problems. This will, with no doubt, contribute to the process of teshuvah (return)".

Additionally, just like we examine ourselves and decide to amend our own mistakes, we should also recognize and build over our strengths and positive actions. This can help us move forward in our path with more confidence.

Next, I suggest a prayer that affirms our positive acts from last year, as a supplement to the traditional "Al Chet" or recitation of our transgressions on Yom Kippur. When we focus on and recognize our mistakes as well as our moral and spiritual achievements, we can be in better condition to make a significant progress during the coming year.

We recognize now the positive actions through which we bring the world closer to its perfection, the actions of reparation that make the divine an effective influence in our lives:

Al ha-tikun shetikanu lefanecha. . .

For the positive action we have done openly or anonymously, and for the act of reparation we have practiced without any personal profit.

For the positive action we have done through the searching for forgiveness, and for the act of reparation we have practiced by forgiving others.

For the positive action we have done through making fair donations, and for the act of reparation we have practiced by opening our hearts.

For the positive action we have done by comforting the mourners and visiting the sick, and for the act of reparation we have practiced by acting with justice and fairness.

For the positive action we have done through promoting peace between people, and for the act of reparation we have practiced in favor of nature and all its creatures.

For the positive action we have done by teaching our children the path to peace, and for the act of reparation we have practiced by guiding them to the path of Torah.

For the positive action we have done by honoring the elder, and for the act of reparation we have practiced by loving the foreigners.
For all the positive actions we have done in response to the divine commandment: choose Life and Blessing.

Rabbi Daniel A. Kripper

Based on an idea by Rabbi Dan Fink