Transforming Mistakes
The Point of Return
by Rosally Saltsman
We can take the most insidious penchant, and nurture it into a positive and restorative force.
Frank Abagnale, the "hero" of the book and movie Catch Me if You Can, was one of the most infamous contemporary outlaws. He successfully eluded the FBI, Interpol and the Justice system of 26 countries for five years, while amassing millions. After being caught and serving five years in prison, he was offered a chance to redeem himself by working for the U.S. government, uncovering the kind of schemes that he himself had perpetuated. He went from master criminal to crime prevention, protecting companies around the world from people like himself. Moreover, he paid back all the money he stole.
Abagnale's success story is paralleled in the Talmud. Reish Lakish was a successful bandit known for his unusual strength. Rabbi Yochanan, who had been his childhood friend and was now a great sage, said that his sister, who was particularly beautiful, was prepared to marry Reish Lakish on condition that he abandon his thieving ways and use his remarkable strength for Torah study. Raish Lakish accepted the offer and became a great scholar.
A person can use his character traits for seemingly contradictory purposes. Both King David and Esav had red hair that revealed a predisposition to certain inclinations. Indeed both became leaders of nations -- but Esav was a murderer and King David was the epitome of righteousness. Esav waged war to satisfy his bloodlust, while King David waged battles to bring honor to God.
The Talmud (Shabbat 156a) speaks about the influence of the constellations on a person's destiny. Being born under a certain constellation can predispose a person to certain personality traits -- but it's up to the individual into which area to channel these predilections. For example, someone who is influenced by Mars (the "red planet") will have a tendency to shed blood. This can express itself in becoming a murderer or a surgeon, a butcher or a mohel (who performs circumcisions). The choice is up to the individual. Any talent, character trait or aptitude can be used for the highest good or the basest evil. We are the ones who make the choice.
The character traits we have the greatest potential for perfecting are those in which we display the greatest iniquity.
The High Holidays are a time for renewal and repentance. To repent in Hebrew is called doing teshuva - "return." Often what this really means is "turning around." The character traits we have the greatest potential for perfecting are those in which we display the greatest iniquity. Becoming great does not mean changing your personality; rather one can turn their strongest characteristics in a different direction. In other words, don't change your tendencies; just change what you do with them.
Someone who steals or lies has the greatest propensity for honesty because he knows from personal experience what dishonesty looks like and how to avoid it. Someone who is belligerent is the one most apt to fight for people instead of against them; someone who loves to amass money can use this ability to fundraise for worthy causes; someone who is self-centered can transfer this sensitivity to others and become a uniquely considerate person. To reach the highest level of the continuum, one has to be on it in the first place. It isn't the person who is bad or good, rather it is the choices they make.
It's noteworthy that the Jewish New Year is celebrated in the fall and not the spring. Spring would have been the more logical time to celebrate the regeneration of life. However, the renewal in spring gets its stimulus from the decay inherent in the fall. The greatest growth comes from what to the eye seems like the corrosion of nature -- which is really the greatest impetus for growth.
Human nature is the same. We can take the most insidious penchant, and nurture it into a positive and restorative force. A force to be reckoned with.
Since his release from prison in the 1970s, Frank Abagnale has employed the tools he used to deceive companies to protect them from fraud. He has become the white knight of white-collar crime. Abagnale didn't do this by altering his personality or learning new skills; he adapted the ones he already had, and directed them toward a higher purpose.
By pointing the strongest part of our natures in the right direction, and taking our first step toward it -- that is when we reach the point of return.
Additional sources: "Signs of the Times: The Zodiac in Jewish Tradition," by Rabbi Gad Erlanger (Feldheim)
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