2006 Archive: About This Book’s Theme: The Possibilities & Limits of Forgiveness

Ordinary people are faced with questions about forgiveness almost every day. From the simple to the complex we participate in our own fate and decisions about if, when and how we forgive. Simon Wiesenthal’s book, The Sunflower: On The Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness draws us deep into the question of forgiveness and asks us to wrestle with the issue, just as Simon had to do, and to contemplate what we would have done in his shoes -- as ourselves, and as Jews.

The need for forgiveness is universal. Because we are not infallible -- we make mistakes, and mistakes are made against us. Unfortunately, we are not always in control and misdeeds can have profound effects upon our feelings and our lives. But what happens after the damage has been done? How do we move on? Should we forgive? Can we be forgiven? Do apologies matter? Can we forgive and not forget? What can history tell us? And what about faith and religion?

Throughout Jewish history experts and theologians have weighed in on the subject of forgiveness, providing us with insight, guidance and a moral compass. Additionally, there is a growing body of secular work and research conducted in the field of forgiveness, touching upon a variety of relationships and viewing forgiveness through different lenses. As a compliment to the On The Same Page initiative we’ve created an in depth Educational Resource Guide providing educators with lesson plans, texts, related articles, and creative workshop ideas that reflect much of that history and research. This guide offers the reader a foundation of thought and can provide additional meaning to a complex and expansive topic. In addition, many of the events and activities that have been organized by SAJES and Participating Sites and Groups are creative interpretations of the ideas and insights contained in the guide.

SAJES has timed this year’s read and theme to coincide with the Jewish High Holidays. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur make for an appropriate backdrop to this project and we are delighted and hopeful that our first read will add another layer of meaning for all participants as they consider their relationships, health and place in the community.

For more information on the Educational Resource Guide for The Sunflower, please contact Project Coordinator, Shariee Calderone at 631.462.8600 or e-mail scalderone@sajes.org