In the forefront of many Australian minds this week were the executions of men who, by all accounts, had turned their lives around but were not given a second chance. 

Is there a Jewish take on this?

On Monday we will celebrate Pesach Sheini. What is it's significance? What does it teach us?

There are not one, but two, different descriptions of the creation of Man. The first describes Man as he could be - a perfect reflection of G-d. The second describes him as he so often is, in constant tension between body and soul.

Had there only been the first creation story we may have developed an attitude of "perfection or bust".
G-d therefore tells us: I am aware of human foibles, of the difficulty of maintaining consistency amidst the distractions of a material world. I have therefore created you with parallel possibilities. If you get it right from the start - that's great. But even if you don't, all is not lost. I have, from the very beginning, carved out an alternate path for you. You will still achieve your destiny - albeit through a more tortuous route.

This too is the message of Pesach Sheini. There were those who, not having observed the first Pesach, feared that they had forever lost the opportunity. G-d told Moses: Tell them not to worry. I will always give a second chance to those who really want it!

Achrei Mot Kedoshim 5775 ~ RBZ