This morning we will conclude our brief exploration of ‘Sin.’ Today, we will briefly explore the concept ‘Chet’ and end our search with a few closing observations/considerations.
Chet. Rabbi Louis Jacobs tells us that ‘Chet’ is the word for sin that is most common for his faith tradition. ‘Chet’ means to miss the center of the target. For example, I have set an intention to do something in some way and I fall short of my intention. For example, last night my daughter called me and wanted me to listen; I intended to listen but found myself trying to ‘help her’ – I did catch myself and concentrated on listening receptively. After 15 minutes or so, so paused, thanked me for listening and told me she loved me; I told her of my love for her and we said our good byes. Too often I have intended to listen receptively to someone and I ended up ‘missing the mark’ as I shifted from listening receptively to fixing or helping. In doing so I manifested ‘Chet.’
These ‘Chet’ moments occur daily – and for some of us too frequently. Our intentions are good, if not admirable; our actions shift us away from the ‘mark.’ A simple apology or a simple asking for forgiveness generally suffices. At times, however, our missing the mark causes significant pain – the pain is even more intense because it is not what we intended. In this case, healing is required.
Our English language is hampered because we only have one word available to us: ‘Sin.’ Talk about a lack of nuance. Yet, I think, that like ‘God,’ and ‘Faith’ – words and concepts that have lost their punch for many folks – ‘Sin’ is an important word. ‘Sin’ and ‘Mercy’ and ‘Compassion’ seem to me to go hand-in-hand. Other words that have more meaning if ‘Sin’ is admitted include: forgiveness, healing, reconciliation and atonement.
A deeper internal inquiry might be helpful. ‘What is my motivation to Sin?’ (I refer to ‘me’ because I don’t believe it is helpful to ask: ‘What is YOUR motivation to Sin?’ in asking this, I might easily miss the ‘log in my own eye.’) ‘Why is Sin important to the life-story I am writing and living?’ I do know – from experience – that it is easier for me to accept the other(s) as imperfect to the extent I am able to accept myself as imperfect; to accept myself as one who is prone to ‘Pesha,’ ‘Avon,’ Chet’ and ‘Sin’ and to forgive myself (and to seek forgiveness from others).
As I conclude our brief exploration I offer us the following from Micah 7:18-19: 18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Searcher-Seeker 
Leave a Reply