Rav Meir Auerbach: God’s Kindness-Selichah

The 5th of Iyar is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Meir Auerbach (1815-1878). Born in Dobri, he became the Rav of Kalisch, then made aliya to Eretz Yisrael in 1860, replacing Rav Shmuel Salant (who was traveling) as Rav of

Yerushalayim. Upon the latter’s return, they shared the position. Rav Meir played a central role in the establishment of the neighborhood of Meah She’arim. He is the author of Imrei Binah on Shulchan Aruch.

“V’Chanosi Et Asher Achon V’Richamti Et Asher Aracheim”, I will pardon those who I have pardoned and pity those who I have pity (Ki Tisa 33:19). If someone wrongs you and then begs forgiveness you may do so if you believe they are sincere and it won’t ever occur again. But what happens if you know without a shadow of a doubt that this person will harm you in the same way once again. You’d never forgive them.



That is the incredible kindness of Hashem says Rav Meir Auerbach (Rav of Yerushalayim and Rebbi of Rav Shmuel Salant). “Achon,” and “Aracheim” are future tense. Hashem says, “I will pardon and pity those who I know that in the future I will need to do so again. It won’t stop Me from forgiving them right now despite knowing that they are not completely finished sinning in this way.”