15 Sep YOM KIPPUR: LEARNING FROM THE BUTCHER’S MISTAKE

The Gemara (Yoma
87a) tells that the great
sage Rav was once
insulted by the local
butcher. Over the next
several months, Rav
waited for the butcher to apologize, but he
never did.
Finally, on Erev Yom Kippur, Rav decided to
go and stand right outside the butcher shop so
the butcher would see him. He hoped that if
he would stand there and make it very easy
and convenient for the butcher to request
forgiveness, he would.
The butcher saw Rav standing outside his
shop, and he shouted angrily, “I have nothing
to say to you!” Not only did he refuse to ask
forgiveness, he doubled down, insisting that
he had nothing to apologize for.
At that moment, a bone from the animal the
butcher was carving darted from the counter
into his neck, killing him.
The Rabbis of Mussar explain that although
the butcher had offended Rav many months
earlier, he was punished only now because
he squandered the opportunity to apologize
and make amends. All people make mistakes,
and it is not easy to admit we were wrong
and initiate a process of reconciliation. But
what’s inexcusable is avoiding reconciliation

when the opportunity comes right to our
doorstep. The butcher was wrong to offend
Rav, and he was wrong for not going to
request forgiveness – but what sealed his fate
was failing to approach Rav when Rav made
himself available.
This story sheds light on a pronouncement
by the prophet Yeshayahu about the Aseret
Yemeh Teshuba – the ten-day period from
Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur.
Yeshayahu (55:6) turns to the people and
exclaims, “Dirshu Hashem Be’himase’o,
Kera’uhu Bi’hyoto Karob” – “Seek out G-d
when He is accessible, call upon Him when He
is near.” Of course, G-d is always “accessible,”
and He is always “near.” In all seasons, at all
times of year, and at any time of day, in any
circumstance, we can turn to Hashem for
help, we can ask Him for forgiveness, and we
can ask for whatever it is we need. However,
the Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 18a) explains,
during the Aseret Yemeh Teshuba, Hashem
is especially close and is especially receptive
to our sincere prayers. During this period,
the prayers recited by an individual have the
same power as prayers recited together with a
Minyan during the rest of the year.We can only
imagine how powerful congregational prayer
is during the Aseret Yemeh Teshuba! Indeed,
Rav Chaim Brim of Jerusalem (1922-2002)
would say that spiritual achievements which

normally take weeks to attain can be reached
in just a few moments during the Aseret
Yemeh Teshuba. This is a special time, when
our prayers and our efforts to repent and
improve are particularly effective, many times
more than at other times of the year.
At first glance, it seems that Yeshayahu is
encouraging us and advising us by calling
upon us to turn to Hashem during this period
of Aseret Yemeh Teshuba. As Hashem is
close, it is recommended that we seize this
opportunity for prayer and repentance. But in
light of the Gemara’s story about Rav and the
butcher, we might conclude that Yeshayahu
isn’t just giving advice – he’s issuing a stern
warning. If Hashem is close, then we must
initiate a process of “reconciliation,” a process
of Teshuba. It’s not just a good idea – it’s an
obligation.
We are flawed human beings, and so it is
understandable that we will make mistakes.We
are not expected to be perfect. And it is
understandable that we will find it difficult
to acknowledge our mistakes, to admit
wrongdoing, to confess that we’ve acted
improperly and have made bad choices. This
is embarrassing and uncomfortable. And
change is always challenging. But even if we
could be excused the rest of the year for not
making an effort to improve and ask Hashem
for forgiveness, we have no excuse during this

week, when Hashem specifically comes to us
and invites us back. During the Aseret Yemeh
Teshuba, Hashem is right here next to us with
His arms open. He is ready to forgive us as
long as we take the first step by admitting we
were wrong and committing to try harder. If
we don’t seize this opportunity, this period
when Teshuba is especially accessible, then
we have no more excuses.
Let’s ensure not to make the butcher’s
mistake. Let’s take full advantage of this
special opportunity and sincerely turn to
Hashem in heartfelt prayer and with a firm
resolve to improve, to correct our mistakes,
and to enhance our relationship with our
Father in heaven.