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APOLOGY, FORGIVING AND TESHUVAH

09/13/2020 10:32:12 AM

Sep13

Clifford S. Fishman

 
I. APOLOGY AND FORGIVING IN POPULAR CULTURE 
In Erich Segal’s best-selling novel Love Story (1970), and in the movie made from the novel, Oliver apologizes to Jennifer for losing his temper; Jennifer replies: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Do you agree?
 
II. APOLOGY AND ATONEMENT
Rebbe Eliezer taught:  “Repent one day before your death.” Pirkei Avot 2:15.
 
III. TO WHOM SHOULD WE APOLOGIZE AND ATONE?
1,  Clearly a person (“X”) is required to apologize and atone to those whom X knows he or she has wronged or hurt.
2. Some halakhic authorities recommend that a person apologize to all his or her friends, relatives, associates, etc., before Yom Kippur, just in case he or she has hurt or wronged someone unknowingly. (Rema 606:2; Arukh Hashulhan, 4).  Is doing this via a mass email or Facebook message halakhically permissible? If permissible, is it wise?   Have you sent or received such an email or Facebook posting? If so, what was your reaction?  What reaction did you receive?
3. You have wronged a person in a serious and significant way. Is it ever appropriate not to apologize? If so, what should you nevertheless attempt to do?

 

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Fri, April 26 2024 18 Nisan 5784