During this time of the year, at the end of the month of Elul, we say Selichot, special prayers said before the regular morning prayers, asking Hashem for forgiveness for our transgressions and for mercy. Part of the Selichot prayers is a confession of our transgressions. The above ‘confession’ is actually a ‘confession’ of the good deeds which we have also done this year, based upon a teaching by Rav Kook, the Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel before the founding of the State of Israel. He taught that just as there is great benefit to the soul when we confess our sins, so too when we remember our mitzvot. This helps us to appreciate them and strengthen our happiness and commitment to the path of serving Hashem.
The following is a rough translation: ‘We loved, we cried, we gave, we spoke beautiful words. We believed and we tried, we remembered, we hugged, we tasted a sefer (book). We created, we wanted, we fought for justice, we tried to do our best, we turned to see, we did what we were commanded. We explained, we were correct sometimes, we called out in Your name. We wanted, we rejoiced, we gave support.’
Blessings to all of our family, friends and readers for a Shana Tovah u’Metukah, 5780! May you be signed and sealed with only good things in the Book of Life.
Neveloff Wellness 
Thank you Moshe Dov! This was the exact teaching that Rabbi Micha Hyman taught me yesterday! I never knew this or heard this before! Very important to remember our good points and it will help us to build on them! Yes, we must recall our missteps and misdeeds, but not to excessively dwell on them. Our goal is to return to the right path. To do that, we must also give attention to remembering our good deeds! Thank you! שנה טובה
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