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I was once pure and innocent, but I'm afraid I can't say that anymore. Why would He even want me?

Good morning! A very gifted composer, Rabbi Hillel Paley, shared the following personal true story. A little over a year ago, there was a bus accident in which his son's bride of six months lost both of her legs. When she woke up from her coma, she had one question for her husband: "If you were to meet me after this accident without both of my legs, would you choose to marry me?" This question goes beyond what a lifetime of wisdom and study can prepare you for. It reveals who you truly are. He responded that if he had met her after the accident, it would have only affected you, and he wouldn't want to be a part of the story.
 However, because the accident happened after they were married, it didn't only happen to you; it happened to both of us. This is our shared challenge.

 Here's a beautiful prayer attributed to Rashi that says, "Love your bride, make a new covenant with her, and let her soul be precious in your eyes." This story reflects the meaning of the parable about the time we are in right now. The King comes to the field to see his people, even though they may see themselves as unworthy. The King chooses to visit because he loves each of his people. Similarly, G-d visits us in this month, despite our understanding of our own worthiness. Each of us has the permission and ability to greet the King and present our requests, and the King happily and lovingly grants them. May we all be blessed with the sweetest year ever, with the sweet feeling of the coming of Moshiach.

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