Facebook poster of anti-Glatt letter ask mechilah.

Dear Rabbi Glatt,

I want to apologize and ask for mechilah for sharing that letter and causing people to debate and talk publicly about it's message. While I did not write it nor do I know the author, I shared it and participated in the discussion. And that was wrong to do so publicly. These issues could have been discussed in private. I know without a doubt that you have been working tirelessly to educate and protect our community many of whom are not taking this virus seriously. I know that your intentions are pure. There is a lot of hurt and division here since Covid hit. Many of us are scared, angry, frustrated. Many of us have lost all faith in our government and the leaders running our city. Many feel we are being unfairly targeted. Many want to do something to change things but it seems hopeless. This leads to a lot of anger and finger pointing. It's terrible and not how our community should act. We need to unify even with our differences. There is a lot of collateral damage to our children due to the harsh restrictions and many parents are feeling so helpless. There is paralyzing fear as well. Perhaps that's why that person or people wrote it. It came from pain. However it was wrong of me to have been part of sharing this letter. So for that I am asking for mechila and praying this yom Kippur that you accept. I do not want to have ant part of any divisiveness in our community. I wish you and your family a gmar chatima tova and I pray that all your efforts are successful and our community stays safe and makes it through these trying times.

Respectfully yours,

Michal Weinstein

_____________________________________

I wasn't even sure that he would respond, but felt it was important to let him know my feelings.

I then received a response that I have permission to share:

______________________________________

I meant what I said earlier tonight that I have already forgiven you.

I understand the frustration that people are having dealing with Covid. I have dealt with it 24 / 7 without a stop for more than six months in my role in the hospital in the community. I am exhausted. I feel the pain and suffering of every individual. And I feel your pain and suffering right now.

I truly forgive you.

I truly wish you and your family a very happy healthy and sweet new year. May Hashem forgive you. I do.

Gmar tov.

Aaron Glatt

_________________________

I always heard that Rabbi Glatt was a very humble, kind man. This definitely verified that for me. These past 6 months have been filled with so much terror and confusion. Many of us have very strong feelings that contradict each other. Many of us, myself included, have not been so respectful to each other in public and private and behind each other's backs. I pray that this year we can try to understand each other's side, listen respectfully, agree to disagree and maybe be open to learning from each other. I ask for Mechila from anyone I have hurt and (inspired by Rabbi Glatt) I wholeheartedly Mochel those who have wronged me.

It's time for our community to come together. We are so much stronger and healthier united.