Yom Kippur: Aplogies
Question
About Yom Kippur. A friend asked me to apologize to them stating that it was part of the atonement. I said: no. My understanding is that the atonement is personal and speaks to the individual's relationship with God. If I want to ask for forgiveness then it is my prerogative. The other person cannot demand it from me. Am I wrong?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
As a general rule, only a Beit Din can force/demand that someone perform a mitzvah. However, gently encouraging others to perform mitzvot is highly recommended and commendable.
If you feel that your friend is correct, and you really owe him an apology, then of course you should apologize. And even if you don’t feel you owe him an apology, you can always go beyond the letter of the law and offer it anyways.
There is nothing greater than peace between Jews.
Answered by
Author of the "Dalet Amot BeHalacha" series
Smicha Yoreh-Yoreh (1999) and Yadin-Yadin, author of "Dalet Amot BeHalacha" (11 volumes)
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer, Choshen Mishpat (excluding laws of interest)
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