Number 6 Saadia Gaon Street in Jerusalem
Rabbi David Ashear told a story in Living Emunah 2 about Rav Saadia Gaon, who would make a point to seclude himself in a private room for 20 minutes daily. One day, a student, overcome with curiosity, went into his Rabbi’s private space and hid in a closet. The Rabbi came in and proceeded to lower himself to the floor, crying, “Chatati, aviti, pashati lefanecha – I have sinned before You....” The student could not understand why this great Rabbi could possibly cry for forgiveness and do such an intense teshuvah daily.
The student approached his rabbi and confessed to having watched him. “Why do you beg Hashem for forgiveness every day in such an intense fashion?” He asked.
Rav Saadia explained that once on his travels, he stopped at the home of a very kindhearted Jew. The host was generous and hospitable, offering the Rabbi meals and a room. When morning came, Rav Saadia warmly thanked him and went on his way.
Suddenly, a few minutes later, Rav Saadia saw his host running after him, throwing himself on the floor and begging the Rav for forgiveness. The Rabbi inquired, asking why he was so upset when the host provided such generous hospitality. The host cried, “I did not know you were the Great Rav Saadia Gaon. I would have shown you so much more respect and honor.”
The Rabbi explained to his student, “Each day, I find out something new about the greatness of Hashem, and I become filled with guilt. I would have served Hashem with much more respect and care if I had known. So, each day, I have to beg Hashem for forgiveness, for not treating Him properly the day before.”
Reprinted from the Yom Kippur 5785 email of Jack E. Rahmey based on the Torah teachings of Rabbi Amram Sananes.
