עת רצון

This week, we have another double Parsha of אחרי מות-קדושים. The first part of אחרי מות deals with the laws and procedures for Yom Kippur.

Rabbi Elie Munk in קול התורה, connects Yom Kippur, with the term, עת רצון, a time of willingness. This means that Hashem set aside this particular day where He is open and willing to hear His people’s requests for forgiveness and atonement.

We must learn that timing is everything. We have certain auspicious times of year like the month of Adar, which is a month of joy. And we have the month of Av, designated for mourning for our Temple. It is not considered a lucky month by any means.

If one needed a medical procedure to be done, Adar would be a good time. If one had a court scheduled for Av, he should try to delay it.

This concept of עת רצון, is certainly true in relationships as well. Husbands and wives need to learn the proper time to bring up a subject. And they certainly need to learn the proper time when keeping quiet is the best course of action, (especially husbands!). This is extremely important in disciplining our children. We have to find the right time and the right way to get our message across where it will sink in.

Perhaps עת רצון might just be a way of telling us to use tact. But it is more than that. It teaches us to learn patience and discipline,to consider the effectiveness of our words and intentions.