Rabbi Yaakov Edelstein: Offense to Others Causes Life's Hardships

Rabbi Yaakov Edelstein, a prominent rabbinic figure, taught that most human suffering, including illness, financial struggles, and stalled personal lives, stems from having offended someone who holds a grudge, often unknowingly. He advised those seeking relief to actively find and seek forgiveness from anyone they may have wronged, even deceased individuals.

This teaching was also embraced by Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who endorsed a practice derived from Rabbi Yosef Chaim (the Ben Ish Chai) to remove grudges. This practice involves seeking forgiveness from anyone one might have offended, intentionally or unintentionally, including the deceased, and from anyone who is angry and invoking divine judgment.

These teachings are being highlighted in the context of an upcoming "unbinding of curses" ceremony by the organization "Rina Shel Torah" (Song of Torah) before Yom Kippur. This event aims to help participants enter the Day of Atonement with a clean slate, free from suffering and problems.

Such ceremonies have previously been conducted, notably near the grave of Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz (the Chazon Ish) on the eve of Yom Kippur, led by Rabbi Shraga Steinman. Participants reportedly experienced profound relief, with the removal of grudges and divine accusations leading to forgiveness and a renewed sense of well-being and health for thousands.

The article also briefly mentions a separate, tragic incident in Bnei Brak where a young yeshiva student, approximately 20 years old, died after falling five stories.