HaRav Dov Begon, Head of Yeshivat Machon Meir, explains the unique spiritual power of the Ten Days of Repentance, a sacred time when individual teshuvah is elevated to the level of communal redemption.
Teshuvah that Transcends the Individual
The Ten Days of Repentance, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, carry a special segulah — a spiritual promise. As the Rambam teaches:
“Even though repentance and crying out are always good, in the Ten Days of Repentance it is especially favored and accepted immediately… To the individual. But the community, whenever they do repentance and cry out with a whole heart, they are answered.” (Laws of Repentance 2:6)
During these days, individual repentance takes on the power of communal teshuvah. Therefore, all of Israel increase charity, good deeds, and mitzvot, reciting confessions repeatedly in Selichot and most intensely on Yom Kippur.
A Time of Divine Assistance
Our Sages taught:
- “A person sanctifies himself a little — they sanctify him much. He sanctifies himself from below — they sanctify him from above” (Yoma 39a).
- These days open a window of opportunity, as the prophet says: “Seek Hashem when He is found, call Him when He is near” (Isaiah 55).
Even hardened sinners are given a chance. The Talmud points to Nabal the Carmelite, whose punishment was delayed during these ten days to allow for possible repentance. This shows the extraordinary mercy and potential of this period.
Unity and Reconciliation
These days are not only for personal correction but also for national healing. They call us to reconcile and annul divisions:
- Between man and his fellow, husband and wife, children and parents.
- Between political factions, right and left.
- Between religious and non-religious Jews.
The goal is to enter Yom Kippur united, for it is the Day of Atonement both for the community and for each individual.
Rabbi Akiva’s Eternal Message
As Rabbi Akiva declared:
“Happy are you, Israel! Before whom are you purified? Before your Father in Heaven, as it is said, ‘And I will sprinkle upon you pure water and you shall be purified.’” (Yoma 85)
May this year’s Days of Awe lead us to unity, victory, and complete salvation. Wishing Am Yisrael a good and sweet year.
