Al Chet 15

Category: Al Chet (Confession)
Hits: 3736

Exploring the Al Chet Prayer
Rabbi Shraga Simmons

15. For the mistakes we committed before You by exercising power.
God apportions to everyone exactly what they need: whether wealth, intelligence, good fortune, etc. Only when we feel our position is independent of God do we seek to dominate others for our own advantage.

Ask yourself:
Did I take advantage of those who are weak -- either physically, economically or politically?
Did I manipulate or intimidate someone into doing something he'd really rather not have?

Al Chet # 15
44 Roots of Mistakes
by George Brock

 The Sin:  The Mistakes we committed before You by exercising power.

  • G-d gives to everyone exactly what they need; whether it is wealth, intelligence, good fortune, etc.
  • Only when one feels his position is 'independent' of G-d, does one seek to dominate others for one's own advantage.

The Battle:  Arrogance {vs} Humility. The Arrogant- value their cause above all else.
The Humble- hold firm to G-d's values no matter what.

  • One can use his strength to help the weak (or) one can use his strength to overcome the weak.
  • The battle is waged between the path of men (selfishness)/ and the Divine path of G-d (selflessness).
  • The Arrogant- answer to no one and seek their own path, the Divine path is no longer Divine.

The Victory:  Comes if one will allow G-d to change him by recognizing:

That for the Humble:

  • It's not what one has bought- but what G-d has built.
  • It's not what one has got- but what G-d has given.
  • It's not one's success- but one's significance in helping G-d to make the world a better place.
  • That it's not what one has learned- but what one has shared.

The goal:  Is to realize- there is only G-d, so one must seek to sanctify everything to G-d- (Avadah hakodesh). Not seeking to separate things from G-d. (Avadah Serah).

  • Then; one must give thanks in all things, realizing that everything comes from G-d and is for everyone's ultimate good.
  • Finally; one should repent and ask G-d to help one change, from having a negative, arrogant attitude- to a positive, humble attitude. This will help one to overcome the mistake of trying to exercise one's power over others.

 

TOP