With only a week to go before the world stands in judgment before G-d, it is actually appropriate to reflect on the message contained in the Torah portion that will be read this Shabbat.

Many well-intentioned people are frightened by the challenge of return to G-d that the ten days from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur are all about. To them the Torah declares that:“This matter (teshuva) is most accessible to you. It is in your mouth and heart to achieve it.”

Your mouth can offer the confession of your mistakes and your heart can make the commitment not to repeat the errors you regret having made.

Both individuals and nations stand before the Heavenly Court in the Days of Judgment. It is our fervent hope that each one of us, and our nation as a whole, will be stirred by recent events into taking the ready road to return and thus secure Israel forever.

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