Article #11

We are but a few days away from the Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The past few weeks I have mentioned to the congregation of the difficulty that faces us. What am I speaking about? The reality of Yeshua HaMeshiach and the teachings of our Sages and Rabbis. There at times what seem to be possible contradictions as to what we believe Yeshua taught and what the sages of old taught. The most important aspect to all the teaching, whether we see one set of teachings as being more accurate than another, is for the sake of heaven.
The days that lay ahead are days that have been given to Israel and all who have, as Rabban Sha'ul, become part of the national life of Israel. Thus when we read the Sages statement that he (or she) that take upon themselves the Torah (without becoming a Jew in the fullest sense of the meaning) that one’s righteousness exceeds that of the (earthly) High Priest.
The Sages teach that each person is judged on Rosh HaShanah – does not refer to one’s meriting Gan Edan (the Garden of Eden) and life in the World-to-Come, or his being condemned to Gehinom (literally the garbage dump, hell) and to perish. For man is judged on Rosh HaShanah only concerning matters of this world – whether he is worthy of life and well being or of anguish and death. Thus did our Sages say in Tractate Rosh HaShanash (Talmud): “This is the day on which your works began; it is a remembrance of the first day (Genesis); it is a statute unto Israel, a judgment unto the G-d of Ya’akov (Jacob). And concerning countries it is stated thereon – which is for the sword and which fir peace, which for famine and which is to be sated – and creatures will be visited thereon for remembrance unto life or death.” Such then is the measure of the matter: On Rosh HaShanah a person’s actions are weighed, and he is inscribed and sealed for merit or guilt in this world.
When a person departs to his or her final abode, they (that one’s actions) are weighed and his or her portion in the world of souls is prescribed, in accord with what that one deserves (Ramban)
Even if a person has sinned all year he ought not lose hope in his capacity for repentance; let him rather return to the way of righteousness before he comes to judgment. Let him believe at heart that he is always capable of tipping the scale of merit for himself and the entire world. Sin can not only affect him but his sinful attitude can cause pain, hurt and suffering to others that have partaken that the one’s sin. It is not uncommon to hear of tragedies to 'believers' due to someone's reckless behavior or blatant disregard for the law. How many families have suffered the consequences of sin by parents. These children go into adulthood either bearing the scars and doing the same to their children because the sin was not repented of and the healing that comes from true repentance brings renewed life.
We cannot hide behind Yeshua and continue to sin, the Lord is not asleep, for He that watches over Israel neither slumber nor sleeps.