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Community Corner

Stories of Forgiveness and Renewal at the Des Plaines Public Library

Books and movies give us an opportunity to explore the ideas of mercy and atonement without the sting of direct self-examination.

The following information was submitted by Lynne Rubio, Readers’ Services supervisor at the Des Plaines Public Library.

In the Jewish faith, the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which this year is from Monday, Sept. 17 through Wednesday, Sept. 26, is time to be spent in atonement for the sins of the past.

By asking for and granting forgiveness in preparation for the coming year, a person can relinquish the past and start fresh. The benefits include emotional peace, stronger relationships, and even improved physical health. Regardless of our religious affiliation, we could all use a little of that.

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On a personal level, the ideas of mercy and atonement can be painful to address. Books and movies give us an opportunity to explore them without the sting of direct self-examination. We can lose ourselves in the drama and face universal human truths at the same time.

Here are some inspiring stories that deal with themes of forgiveness and starting over that can be found at the Des Plaines Public Library:

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Fiction:

Movies:

Earlier: The Amish Project takes the stage at Oakton Community College.

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