Our Generation’s Longing

Chazal famously teach that even perfect tzaddikim cannot stand in the place where baalei teshuvah reach. The classical definition of "baal teshuvah" is a Jew who leaves his secular upbringing and lifestyle behind for a life of Torah observance and commitment to avodas Hashem. But the tzaddikim teach that in truth, each and every Jew — no matter how frum — should yearn to become a baal teshuvah as well, to return ever more deeply to Hashem, to further reveal the depth of our essential holiness. "Anu rotzim lihiyot baalei teshuvah.” These words express the desire of our wondrous generation to dig beyond the surface level of long-held labels and definitions to discover the neshamah of Yiddishkeit, to encounter Hashem with openness and authenticity as broken souls with hearts aflame. Regardless of background, regardless of religious level, regardless of past successes or failures — we are united in our collective yearning to surge forward in our engagement with the Baal Shem Tov's three loves, ahavas Hashem, ahavas haTorah, and ahavas Yisrael. In the merit of this beautiful niggun and our endless yearning, may we merit to be counted among Baalei Teshuvah!

במקום שבעלי תשובה עומדים, צדיקים גמורים אינם יכולים לעמוד
ברכות לד

אנו רוצים להיות בעלי תשובה, אבא אנחנו רוצים לשוב אליך

In the dark of night I walk alone, alone but never lonely, Your Fire burns within me, beyond the veil an echo calls my name,  "Return to Me, My child, return to who you are."  We want to be Baalei Teshuvah, Tatte bring us close, closer to You.

Artist R’ Yaakov Klein
Composed by The Blumstein Brothers Produced by Mendy Portnoy
Lyrics by R’ Yaakov Klein

לע”נ יהודית בת ר׳ משה

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 873)