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48 | Harav Daniel Schwab Harav Avrohom Shulman | 49

Is it really true and obvious that “we are a miracle”. Indeed, our long history Harav Avr ohom Sh ulm an
of committed Torah learning, fervent avodah, and genuine selfless chessed is a
miracle. Our unbroken Mesorah through this long, challenging galus, as well as Rav, Kehilas Beis Sholom
our basic physical survival in a world of anti-semitism, is clearly a miracle. Our
marriages, children, success, health, and income are all miracles. The eternal
bris from Hashem to Avraham Avinu promises that we will continue always to Yomim Noraim: The Real You
exist upon miracles. With this bris that is our special “membership card”, we
all are each VIP members of “Hashem’s club” “chelko”. May we appreciate with n Perek Beis of Hilchos Teshuva the Rambam writes that although Teshuva
awe every inspiring step of our journey, as we miraculously live, grow and are is accepted all year long, during the time period of the Yomim Noraim,
mekadesh Sheim Shamayim in our world of “Operating System 8”. I Teshuva is דאמ הפי“” and is accepted immediately. This is based on the
Gemara in Maseches Rosh Hashannah,).חי ףד( which explains that the pasuk
"בורק ותויהב והוארק ואצמהב 'ה ושרד” , seek out Hashem when he can be found, call
Him when He is close, refers to the Aseres Yemei Teshuva.

All of us work hard to improve our focus on Tefillah, correct mistakes, and
attempt to do sincere Teshuva during this zman. Many are even mikabel to
follow certain chumros, all in an effort to make an aliyah in ruchniyus and
merit to be םייחה ירפסב בתכנ. It is certainly a very special time of the year which
is inspiring, beautiful and amazing. The only problem is: How long does this
last? The truth is, not very long. In a matter of weeks, and sometimes days we
often find ourselves reverting back to the same old behaviors that we worked
so hard to change.

This is something that I have worked on and spoken about for many years.
My approach has always been to try to make Teshuva real and concrete. To
work on specific areas of growth and set attainable goals, along with keeping
a Cheshbon Hanefesh. By doing these things a person can experience growth
and arrive at Rosh Hashannah the following year a different person. However,
while I have witnessed a lot of progress, often many people struggle and find
that despite this approach, in the end they again repeat the same mistakes.

I heard a shmuess from Rav Shlomo Wolbe zt”l that may provide a new
perspective. Rav Wolbe asked a simple yet penetrating question. Who is the
real person: the The Yom Kippur Jew standing at Neilah, at the height of
Kedusha, or the regular weekday Jew rushing late to Mincha on a cold winter
afternoon, and hurriedly reciting the words of Shemoneh Esrei? It would seem
that the majority of people fall into the latter category. Based on that, the

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