Reprinted with permission. This means that Creation began on Sunday, the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul. The following essay explains their depth and significance. When God created the world, it was clear that there was only One power in the universe and that everything from the mightiest galaxy to the tiniest gnat owed its existence to Him alone. When one recognizes that reality, there is no place for sin.
Sin is caused by self-deception.
As the Talmud puts it, no one sins unless a spirit of foolishness enters him. On the first day of Creation, when God's omnipotence was indisputable, sin was inconceivable. And by beginning to recite Slichos on that date, the Jew attempts to re-adopt that primeval conviction. For the Jew is called upon to make the world a better place, and the primary way for him to begin is by making himself a better person. After one breaks his mirrors so he will not see his own flaws, it would be vainglorious and futile to think that he can then concentrate on the flaws of everyone else.