RABBI OSHER FELDMAN, The Gardens Shul; Chair of the Rabbinical Association of the Western Cape
Because life does not have to be perfect on the first try.
Have you ever had that sinking feeling: you prepare a presentation or a project and, when it’s done, you realise you have to go back to the drawing board?
Words like frustration and despondency come to mind. But should it really get us so down? Perhaps it’s not as bad as we think.
The Midrash contains a remarkable teaching: our world is not the first one G-d created. G-d created multiple worlds before He was ‘satisfied’ with His final product.
Rav Soloveichik explains that G-d created the world in this way to teach us a lesson: we often don’t get it right the first time. Mistakes happen. We learn as we go.
As the Book of Proverbs puts it: “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” (Proverbs 24:16).
It takes trial and error to create something meaningful in this life.
None of us is perfect – and that’s okay. What matters most is self-awareness and the willingness to keep trying.
Rosh Hashanah is the time to look back and to learn – from both successes and failures, personally and communally. And just as with the creation of the world, we celebrate each step that brings us closer to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
In many ways, life is like a movie set. Very few scenes are perfect on the first try. Most require a Take Two – or even a Take Three. And it’s in those retakes that the actors, and the story, can shine as G-d intended.
And let us not forget the outtakes. The bloopers often bring the laughter, warmth, and joy, that only imperfection can generate.
On behalf of the Rabbonim and Rebbetzins of Cape Town, I wish you a Shana Tovah filled with health, happiness, and sweetness. As we step into the new year together, may our ‘Take Two’ be filled with growth, renewal, blessing and of course, lots of laughter and joy.
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