Although this Yom Kippur we will not be saying these prayers since they are not said on Shabbos – they are nonetheless an overriding theme of the day. A theme that sees God as a father and ourselves as His children begging for forgiveness for transgressing His wishes. And as a King and ourselves as His loyal subjects.
We hope he reacts the way a father who might be more inclined to have mercy on his own child whom he loves dearly than he might as a king that might judge strictly.
This is the dilemma we face on Yom Kippur. We are well aware of the consequences of our actions if we are judged strictly.
I believe that this dichotomy is related to the concept of Yiras HaShem - fearing God; and Ahavas HaShem - loving God. Both approaches are legitimate ways of serving God. We can serve him out of fear of the consequences. Or we can serve him out of love. Chazal tell us that serving God out of love is the superior method.
I think that might be because love is a two way street. When one feels love of God, that will generate reciprocity and more likely His merciful side - to forgive us without the consequences due us. If on the other hand we serve God out of fear of the King's wrath, that might generate our just deserts.
I believe this is why we begin the Avinu Malkeinu with the words, Our father. We hope that God will see us first as His children and spare us the consequences we might otherwise deserve.
These are my thoughts as we approach Yom Kippur. With this, I would like to wish all my readers and commentators a Gemar Chasima Tova. Have an easy fast. May we all be sealed into the book of life, good health, and happiness for the year 5785. And finally - may we see an end to this brutal war soon!
