Description
This drasha weaves together the story of Franz Rosenzweig’s near-conversion, the legend of the painting Checkmate, and teachings from Chazal to highlight the central paradox of Yom Kippur: against all logic, God grants us teshuvah and forgiveness. While wisdom and prophecy declare there is no hope for the sinner, God insists there is always “one more move” - one more chance for return. The Chiddushei HaRim teaches that the essence of Yom Kippur is not only that it atones, but that we must believe it atones; doubt itself is a failing we seek to overcome in Maariv immediately after Neilah. Just as God enwrapped Himself in a tallit to show His mercy, so too must we embody compassion and humility, carrying forward the memory of our loved ones through Yizkor. Yom Kippur calls us to live with courage, faith, and love - assured that no matter how hopeless life may appear, the King always has one more move.
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