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The story is told of a great righteous man who stood before the
congregation one Yom Kippur eve, and addressed his fellow Jews,
who were all clad in white garments and wrapped in their white
tallitot.
My brothers and
sisters, children of Israel! Take to heart that it is in white
garments like these we are wearing now, that we shall ascend to
the World to Come to be judged and give our accounting before
the King of all kings, the Holy One, blessed is He.
Let us then
imagine that we are standing in this clothing before the Throne
of Glory to be judged and give our final accounting. We should
have true remorse, for one who stands before the Throne of Glory
is truly remorseful. But, my brothers and sisters, repentance
does not avail after death-only now does it avail! Let us truly
regret all our sins and accept upon ourselves that we shall sin
no more, and let us ask the King who grants forgiveness that He
grant us forgiveness and atonement.
Excerpted from:
The Book of Our Heritage |
