 It is a tradition
in all Jewish communities to wear a large tallit on Yom Kippur
evening. The white of the tallit also serves to suggest purity and
mercy.
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 |
