Do remember the movie Sully which dramatized US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing on the Hudson River. The 155 passengers thought that they were going to die. During take-off from New York City, their plane struck a flock of geese, disabling both engines. In a powerless glide, the captain maneuvered over the densely populated area, then announced: “Brace for impact.” Less than 90 seconds later, the crippled plane made a water landing in the frigid Hudson River, where boats and ferries quickly arrived to rescue the passengers and crew, all of whom survived. People called it the “miracle on the Hudson” and praised the pilot and crew. One grateful passenger said simply, “We have a second chance in life.”

Although not as dramatic this week’s Torah portion, B’ha-alotecha, tells a story of second chances. A year has passed and it was time to celebrate Passover again. Unfortunately some Israelites could not offer up the Paschal Lamb because they were ritually unready. They complained to Moses saying, “Ritually unready though we are by reason of a corpse, why must we be debarred from presenting the Lord’s offering at a set time with the rest of the Israelites?” (Numbers 9:7) God told Moses that people who have legitimate reasons why they could not offer up the Paschal Lamb of Passover, they could offer the Passover sacrifice one month later.  (Numbers 9:9-13) From then on the 15^th day of Iyar is known as Pesach Sheni, giving a second chance to celebrate Passover for the Israelites.

In times of crisis like the US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing on the Hudson River, we grasp the importance of every hour. During our ordinary routine, however, we often forget that each day is a second chance. Twice a day we recite in the prayer Ashrey, “The Lord supports all fall, and raises all or bow down. All raise their eyes to you and hope….”

We can choose to live with thankfulness for God’s compassion and grace, with confidence in His faithful care, and with hope because He is with us forever. Today, God offers us a second chance in life. Let’s make the most of it!