If you think spy novels are fiction, consider Frank Abagnale's true story
He was 16 when his parents divorced. To survive, he began forging checks. But not just any forgery - he managed to do this in 26 different countries for approximately $2.5 million. He then succeeded in impersonating a Pan American Airways pilot by calling the airline headquarters directly and presenting himself as a pilot whose uniform had been stolen.
The company not only sent him new uniforms but also provided him with an employee ID and official business cards.
After that, he decided to become a "doctor." He posed as a medical student who studied at Harvard and was hired at the local hospital. He received the position of "supervisor of interns." He was smart enough not to perform surgeries or treatments himself - he simply made sure all the resident doctors did the work.
He then arrived in Louisiana, where he studied law school textbooks for eight weeks, managed to pass the bar exam - albeit on his third attempt, but without any formal legal education whatsoever - and became a full-fledged attorney.
For five years, FBI Agent Joseph Shea pursued him across four continents. Until in 1969 he was caught in France, extradited to America, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
After serving less than 5 years in prison, the authorities realized that his unparalleled knowledge of financial crimes and forgery made him a valuable asset.
He was released on parole and began helping federal authorities, without pay, investigate crimes committed by con artists and fraudsters.
He worked with the FBI for over 40 years, lectured at the academy, advised banks on preventing forgeries and fraud, established a company that provides financial security consulting services, and even had a movie made about his life story - "Catch Me If You Can" directed by Steven Spielberg.
This Shabbat is called "Shabbat Teshuvah". According to Kabbalistic teachings, this is the Sabbath that has the power to repair all the Shabbatot of the entire year, and some say even those of one's entire life.
We all bear the weight of deeds that require repair. Let us take advantage of this time to pause, repent, repair, reflect, and make amends. And may it be H'shems will that we each harness our talents to build a better world rather than tear it down.
Shabbat Shalom
H'Rav Yitzchak Fanger