Another chance

The joke is told about Johnny, the first meshugener, who, after years in the local mental asylum, was about to be released as a functioning member of society. In order to be sure of his progress, however, the authorities decided that his intelligence would have to be tested. The all-important question came: How much are two plus two?
All of his buddies were there for the exam, nervously biting their nails in tension. Would he make it? Jonnie had two minutes to answer the question, and he was taking his time. With only five seconds left, Jonnie jumped up. “I have the answer! It’s four!”
All at once, his buddies started protesting: “Give him another chance! Give him another chance!”

One of the most fundamental beliefs in Judaism is that it is forbidden to ever give up hope, for Hashem always gives a Jew the chance to return and repent his past sins.
In this week’s Torah portion, we read about a group of people who, for reasons of impurity, were unable to bring a sacrifice on Passover as mandated by the Torah. So they came to Moshe and complained, “It’s not fair! We also want to bring the sacrifice!”
Moshe turned to Hashem with their case. And in the merit of those who refused to forgo the opportunity to fulfill a mitzvah, Hashem instituted a new holiday on the Jewish calendar. It is named “Pesach Sheni” (second Passover), and serves as a chance for all those who, for whatever reason, did not fulfill their obligation on the fifteenth on Nissan, to be able to do so one month later.

It’s never too late! Hashem is always ready to greet us with open arms. Just try.