Tashlich: The Casting

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

There's a Jewish ceremony called Tashlich. It takes place during the high holy days when observant Jews symbolically cast their sins into the water. Micah 7:19 says "You will cast away their sins into the sea." Cast away is the word tashlich. God wants to have mercy on us, to save and forgive us more than we want. He wants us to be free more than we want it. Salvation comes from God. So God's the one who ultimately performs tashlich - He casts your sins into the sea of forgetfulness. It's His work. On the other hand, since God has cast away your sins, it doesn't mean you don't do anything. It means you do the same thing. He gives you the power and responsibility to cast your sins away from your life, their stain, their guilt, their habits, their presence, their remembrance and practice. Cast away every trace as far as possible. God hasn't only removed it. He's cast it away as far as the east is from the west. You need to do the same. You have the charge, the call and the power. So, start casting.

From Message #563 -Tashlich