On Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) it is customary for Jews to go to the ocean, pray, and throw bread crumbs onto the water, for the fish can symbolically eat their sins. Some people have been known to ask what kind of bread crumbs should they throw. Rabbi Dick Israel of Boston, Massachusetts has suggested the following (with tongue firmly in cheek):

For Complex Sins………………………… Multi-Grain For Sins Committed in Haste …………. Matzah For Truly Twisted Sins ………………….. Pretzels For Substance Abuse …………………… Poppy Seed For Committing Arson …………………… Toast For the Ill-Tempered ……………………… Sourdough For the Silliest …………………………….. Nut Bread For Having a Hole Where Your Heart Should Be .. Bagels For Acting like a Madman ………………. Crackers For Cutting Remarks …………………….. Sliced Bread For Flaunting Wealth in the form of Fancy Cars . Rolls

While it may sound silly to have fish “eat” our sins, it serves to remind us that people will go to great lengths to try to relieve the guilt of sin. We all know too well what it feels like to be burdened with sin, to live with regret, wishing “if only I could do it all over again” and knowing that we can’t.

The solution is found not in fish, but only in Jesus Christ, in his sacrifice and our willingness to submit to what he has done for us. John writes:

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

What a beautiful promise that Christians can take comfort in! So hold onto your bread (make a sandwich!), and turn to Jesus to know the joy of forgiveness.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith