Parsha:

Nitzavim 

Description

We know Cain did not "do right." He was anything but the master of sin. He murdered his brother. When God then inquires, "Where is Abel?" Cain relies, "Why are you asking me? Am I my brother's keeper?' We read Parashat Nitzavim just before Rosh Hashanah, when the full onus of our own shortcomings should weigh heaviest upon us; when we are most burdened by our sin... Sinlessness is not even a goal to strive for...The test of our humanity is - taking ownership of our nature and asking for genuine, deep and meaningful forgiveness.