Rashi defines cck iuvn, as obstruction or numbness of the heart. This refers to a spiritual numbness which brings about a weakening and crippling effect on one’s faith which prevents him from viewing life clearly through a Torah perspective. Troubles befall a person and he wonders why? He doesn’t recognize Hashem’s binding force in everything that transpires. While numbness of the heart is a result of sin, it is also a basis for future sin and a prime hindrance for performing teshuva (repentance). Thus do we say in the very last “Al Chayt” of the Yom Kippur confession: “And…
