Teshuvah Day 8: Not so fast!

There are two traditional greetings associated with Yom Kippur:

Gemar hatimah tovah - (literally / awkwardly, "conclusion of a good sealing") May you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year.

and

Tzom qal - Have an easy fast.

It is true that fasting for 25 hours is hard, a challenge of will and body, and dreadfully uncomfortable as well.  But it should be that way!  The Torah instructs us to "afflict our souls" on Yom Kippur.  We should suffer a little.

However, the point is not merely suffering.  It is also about teshuvah / repentance, seeking forgiveness from others, and self-transformation.  Rather than wishing your family and friends an "easy" fast, I suggest wishing them a "meaningful" fast.  That's the whole point.

Have a meaningful fast!