A Mensch’s Day Off?

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, offers the universal message of humility.

On a day meant for the garden variety sinner, the day of reflection perhaps is strikingly different for the mensch.

Who is a Mensch?

According to The New Joys of Yiddish, a mensch is a human being; an upright, honorable, decent person; or someone of consequence.

In essence, a mensch is a person of character.

While most seek forgiveness and the annual pass- an inscription in the “Book of Life”- on the Day of Atonement, it can be argued that this day should be a mensch’s day off.

It is the day that they have no worry. They are unburdened as a result of their goodness and what has been. As a result, they might not have to consume any humble pie during the period of contemplation and fasting.

The Mensch-osphere

Judaism’s focus on values and morals likely created the ability to take a mere human being and transform them into a mensch. They are tantamount to golems of goodness.

This focus is likely the mensch-osphere’s foundation. In essence, the Torah- the source of values and morals- has the potential to elevate any human being.

While the mensch-osphere may be a unique group, its admissions is not discriminatory. Being a mensch is not the exclusive realm of the rich and successful. Rather, anybody from all walks of life and economic stratosphere can enter the rarefied air.

Commonly, to get that “mensch card” for the mensch-osphere, there are multiple pathways. It could be as simple as being the good child who seemingly never does anything wrong. They are often entrapped in a world of being good. For others, it is earned. Sometimes, there can be the wild child who grows up to be a mensch. Finally, there are those who assigned the label by others.

The rules to be in the mensch-osphere. Perhaps, there are 613. I am not sure however.

With mensches, one must ask, why would they need to atone? Are they not pillars of pious on a pedestal? For instance, I have a cousin who, according to my mother, does no wrong. Why would he need to atone?

In sum, as mensches in the mensch-osphere operate on a higher plane of sanctity. Their need for forgiveness may be a complete and utter fallacy.

What Is Atonement for the Mensch?

Perhaps, Yom Kippur has the opposite intent for those occupying the mensch-osphere. These upright are to be subjected with humility. Yom Kippur offers an opportunity to spend quality time with those who fall short of the mark. Perhaps, sitting in the room with the group of problematic souls may offer high and moral mighty an opportunity to experience humility. After all, they are part of the collective.

How Does This Happen?

On Yom Kippur, there is a confessional prayer called the Vidui. Those in synagogue, within the prayer, admit to the worst of human conduct. Those in the mensch-osphere will confess with the others present as to those dastardly deeds. Thus, the lofty menches proceed to admit to the following:

We have trespassed [against God and man, and we are devastated by our guilt]; We have betrayed [God and man, we have been ungrateful for the good done to us]; We have stolen; We have slandered. We have caused others to sin; We have caused others to commit sins for which they are called רְשָׁעִים, wicked; We have sinned with malicious intent; We have forcibly taken others’ possessions even though we paid for them; We have added falsehood upon falsehood; We have joined with evil individuals or groups; We have given harmful advice; We have deceived; we have mocked; We have rebelled against God and His Torah; We have caused God to be angry with us; We have turned away from God’s Torah; We have sinned deliberately; We have been negligent in our performance of the commandments; We have caused our friends grief; We have been stiff-necked, refusing to admit that our suffering is caused by our own sins. We have committed sins for which we are called רָשָׁע, [raising a hand to hit someone]. We have committed sins which are the result of moral corruption; We have committed sins which the Torah refers to as abominations; We have gone astray; We have led others astray. Sepharia.org

For the uber-mensches, this confession may be totally meaningless. The words coming out from their mouths, however, may trigger some humility. To the lesser mensches, reading through the enumerated sins may cause them to realize that they may have a problem. They may fret that their “mensch card” membership to the mensch-osphere is on shaky ground. They may take the time to atone.

Overall, for the mensch-osphere, the biggest sin for them may be the fact that they are making a false confession!

Why We Need A Mensch-osphere?

When Sodom & Gemorrah were earmarked for destruction, Abraham pleaded against the cities’ destruction. He pleaded in terms of whether righteous people being present to avert the obliteration. While the plea was not successful, it was considered as valid.

Thus, for all those in synagogue who are less than a mensch, we should be fortunate to spend time with the mensches on their day off. While we may seek to elevate our morals and values, we are to be reminded that there are perhaps others who will take the time to perhaps experience a day of humility.

Be well!!

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