Timeless Torah

t is strategically located to inaugurate the holiest day of the year. Its melody, to use the words of Tolstoy, “Echoes the great martyrdom of a grief stricken nation.” Yet historically, it has always aroused controversy, and while it occupies the most important part of the Yom Kippur liturgy, it’s not even considered a prayer. What I am referring to is the paradoxical, legal formula for the annulment of vows; in simple terms, the Kol Nidre.
Opposition to this ritual arose from many ranks. Jewish scholars, since its inception, were the first to question the legality of a blanket annulment of vows. Its detractors even included Oliver Cromwell, who accused the Jewish religion of permitting its followers to perjure themselves and subsequently clear their consciences by simply reciting a few Hebrew words.
In defense of Kol Nidre, we must clarify that the prayer pardons only those oaths made between man and G-d, but not those obligations between man and man. As Jewish law clearly states, “Yom Kippur can only effect transgressions between man and G-d. Sins against a neighbor however, require that one first appease the wronged individual and ask his (not His) forgiveness.”
This explains the story of the Chassidic rabbi, who, on the eve of Yom Kippur, was always lenient on questions regarding kosher. When approached by a colleague who suggested that it might be more proper to be strict just prior to the Day of Atonement, the rabbi responded: “On the contrary. If I should declare a chicken of doubtful kashrut, unfit for eating, I may be guilty of a sin against my brethren who have nothing else to eat before the fast. And, a sin against man is not forgiven on Yom Kippur. However, if I declare the chicken kosher, I may be sinning against G-d for which the holiday provides expiation.”
Questions such as, “How can I ask someone to forgive me,” or better yet, “How can I forgive someone if they haven’t bothered to keep their word?” are heard all too often. Perhaps the Kol Nidre offers an answer. Instead of viewing it as a plea to absolve our oaths, regard it as a confession of our own lack of moral constancy. “Don’t be so smug,” it says. As the prayer itself declares, “Too often our vows are no vows, our resolves - no resolves and our oaths - no oaths.”
So this year, call a friend or a relative with whom you haven't spoken for months. Remind everyone that Yom Kippur literally means day of forgiveness. Because who said, “To err is human, to forgive is divine?” It’s human too.