Parshat Pinchas: Born Again Jew

In reference to celebrating Rosh HaShana, the Torah (towards the end of Parshat Pinchas) uses a strange word. It says, asot, to make, the festival, as opposed to using a word like observe, or keep the festival.

The Da'at Z'keinim explains that it's no coincidence we use this word precisely when it comes to the Jewish New Year, the time when we focus on repenting.

When we repent, we make ourselves into a new person. To put a contemporary spin on his words, it's the ultimate makeover.

We also know that when someone has done t'shuvah, repented, we are forbidden by Jewish law to remind them of their past sins.

Let's think of both of these pieces together.

Why are we so prepared to believe in our own capacity for change, and not in others'?

Why do we insist "Oh, he knows what I meant" when we give offense, and not extend the same courtesy in reverse.

Why do we shake our heads when "some people just can't let things go" while nursing insults and holding tight to the slightest of slights from years ago?

If we can change, they can change --and if they are different people, then why be mad at Shimon for something Re'uvein did!

"Ah, but have the truly changed," the skeptic will ask. "How do we know?"

How do I know is what's what's meant, and the honest answer is, you don't.

But does that matter?

In schoolyard slang, That's for God to know and you never to find out.

We all have a choice. Give friends and not-yet-friends the benefit of the doubt. Assume others are as sincere as you believe yourself to be. Assume more of them than you know of yourself.

Believe better things about people and you will become a better person. Just as important, you will allow them the room to grow and become better.

They will live up to your new image of them, and not drag themselves down to accomodate your past perception.

You will be happier, better, stronger and so will they. Newly friends, newly changed, you can together welcome the Jewish New Year and make Hashem your God.