Hope you’re having a great day!

Adam and Eve are sent out of the Garden of Eden.

And we’re about to finish the story too.

But before we do, there’s one very important point.

One very Jewish point.

You may have heard of the concept of “Original Sin.”

That as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, every human being is tainted.  Impure.

Compelled to sin!

That we’re not capable of achieving salvation.  Can’t make it on our own.

“And it’s only through a certain belief that we can be “redeemed.”

… This is not a Jewish idea! 

Jewish tradition says that we did lose spiritual paradise.

But not our spiritual potential.

We all have the ability to elevate our lives.  To have a relationship with G-d.

And to earn a share in eternity.

… It’s not just a question of “theology.”

And it’s not just a question of getting to the next world.

It’s about how we see ourselves in this world.

And how hard we work to be the best we can.

… Judaism tells us not to sell ourselves short.

There is no limit to our spiritual potential. 

But there’s only one way we can achieve it.

Through our actions.

With hard work.  Very hard work.

And sure, we’ll make mistakes.  Maybe some very big ones.

But then we pick ourselves up and try harder.

We ask G-d for forgiveness.

And He forgives us.  Gives us another chance.

… Because He knows we can do it!