Utilize this Shabbat, known as Shabbat Shuva, to contemplate how to repent for prior transgressions and how to improve going forward.

We are taught in Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, 2:1 that in order to avoid transgression, we should remember three things: “Know what there is above you: an eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your deeds are written in a book.” As we never know how God and his Heavenly tribunal will view and judge our deeds and misdeeds throughout the year, it behooves us to think before we act and the possible resulting ramifications.

To place these ideas in context, read this enlightening analysis entitled “How does G-d Judge?” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Yom Kippur 5780-2019. Out of respect for the Sabbath, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.