Forgive Us, American Jews, for We Have Sinned Against You

According to Leviticus, the need for atonement on Yom Kippur is directly linked to the precocious transgressions of Nadav and Avihu, the elder sons of Aaron the Priest, who provoked God by introducing a “foreign fire” into the Holy of Holies and were torched by divine flamethrower in retribution.  

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The unique character of the original sin prompted Jewish sages to interpret the ambiguous wording of Leviticus, 16:30 – “For on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins shall ye be clean before the Lord” – as proof that atonement on Yom Kippur can only absolve offenses against God. Sins committed against fellow men and women require a direct apology, without which, according to hard-liners, God won’t forgive you anyway.

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– Haaretz Weekly Ep. 43

Haaretz Weekly Ep. 43Haaretz

Israel’s failure to support American Jews in their time of need certainly qualifies as a sin that mandates repentance and atonement. In this case, however, the transgression may also require separate forgiveness from the Almighty. He (or She) must certainly be outraged by the schism that’s splitting his Chosen People apart, and full of godly wrath at its perpetrators and enablers.

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Therefore, on behalf of (hopefully) many Israelis: Forgive us, American Jews, for Israel has sinned against you. We have sinned against you with hard-heartedness, with a haughty demeanor, by the prattle of our lips, with impudence, in passing judgment, by obduracy and with a confused heart. To mention but a few of the infringements listed in the Yom Kippur Vidui (Confession).