Yom Kippur, which is coming on Monday, is the most solemn time on the Jewish calendar, is a day of introspection, self-examination, self-evaluation, and self-reflection. At this sacred time of the year, Judaism reminds us that we have the capacity to change our actions and our behavior.

Mayor Mamdani has promised to serve all New Yorkers, yet Jewish New Yorkers remain unconvinced that “all” includes them. He does not need another reassurance. He needs contrition, confession and change.

Contrition acknowledges pain. Confession names the wrong. Change proves an apology is more than performance. Jewish tradition teaches that even Yom Kippur cannot atone for sins against another person until forgiveness has been sought. Islam likewise calls believers to sincere repentance, or tawbah. Both faiths demand repair.

As Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, approaches, I cannot make Mamdani’s apology for him. But........

© NY Daily News