Rosh Hashanah— the Jewish New Year—was celebrated earlier this week. And next week is Yom Kippur-the Day of Repentance. During the ten days between the holidays it is traditional (for some more obligatory than tradition) to apologize and ask forgiveness from those whom we have wronged during the past year.
As a child raised in this tradition, it was sometimes hard to say “I’m sorry”; however the tradition gave a framework in which to acknowledge, own and apologize. On the other, it was comforting to know that I would be forgiven. All in all, the process worked.
Owning our mistakes and saying “I’m sorry” is tough. Maybe we need more ten day periods like the one we’re in.