This is reprinted with permission from Rabbi Dovid Vinitsky's book, Darchei Shalom volume 5 and the learning is for a Refuah Sheleimah for Rochel Leah bas Elisheva,
In Parshas Netzavim, the Torah tells us about the commandment of repentance (Devorim 30:1-14). The Seforno learns several aspects of teshuvah (repentance) from these verses. Some of the ideas are “Does a sinner need help to repent?”, “How can a sinner realize that he committed a sin?” and “To what extent will a sinner’s repentance be accepted?”
The Seforno points out that the Torah tells us Teshuvah is not beyond a sinner’s understanding. He does not necessarily need the interpretations of a wise man-- who may be a distant place, to help him comprehend teshuvah. A sinner, also, does not require a prophet to explain the way of repentance.
Furthermore, the Seforno explains that a sinner has the innate ability to repent. He is able to *recognize (* See note further in the lesson) his own sins. A sinner is able to order to distinguish between the correct and improper way. Thereby, a sinner will consider and examine his thoughts and behavior. He is capable of reflecting on them in recognize his errors. Then, he will be able to repent.
The Seforno also explains that sinner’s repentance should be exclusively to fulfill the will of Hashem. This type of *teshuvah, Our Sages say, reaches Hashem’s Throne of Glory (Kisei Hakovod) (Seforno, Devorim 30:1-2, 11-14).
The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim mentions additional concepts of repenting and Hashem’s willingness to help and accept a sinner’s repentance. He says, “Our Sages, of blessed memory, have said that repentance fails a sinner only because of his “*evil heart.” A sinner does not really want to repent. However, if the he truly wants to properly repent, Hashem will not close the gates of repentance. Rather, Hashem will open the gates to the sinner and show him the correct path of repentance.
Furthermore, the Orchos Tzaddikim tells us that Hashem has given mankind a great favor -- the *gift of teshuvah. After a person sins, Hashem should immediately punish him for his transgression. However, Hashem is kind. He usually grants a sinner time to repent. Hashem *accepts the repentance of accidental offenders, willful sinners and transgressors of numerous sins.
Continuing the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim says that at times, *troubles-- punishments or rebuke come upon a sinner because of his transgressions. These hardships may cause one to be motivated and repent. Nevertheless, this type of teshuvah is still accepted. Certainly, a person’s teshuvah will be accepted if he returns because of fear and love of Hashem.
In addition, the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim tells us how quickly repentance is received. He says just for the sinner’s *intention alone to properly repent, without actually starting, Hashem will immediately forgive and reward him. Thus, the moment a sinner resolves to properly repent, he is considered as being completely forgiven. [Of course, the sinner must continue with a full repentance.]
Furthermore, the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim says, “Hashem will help those who seek to repent and do teshuvah. He will even assist them to reach a level of repentance not within man’s own power. Hashem will form within the returning sinner a *spirit of purity to help him attain all the aspects of repentance and a greater understanding of the qualities of His love (Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim: Shaar Hateshuvah).
From the Seforno and Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim, we learn very important information about repentance.
Gift of teshuvah, Hashem granted us; He wants us to repent.
Recognizing our sins by self-examining our thoughts and actions to see if they are proper is something all of us can do. Then, we should repent.
Evil heart is the only thing that prevents every sinner from repenting.
Accepting a sinner’s teshuvah, Hashem is always willing to do even if he has committed accidental, willful and numerous sins.
Troubles-- punishments or rebuke, may cause one to repent; nevertheless, Hashem will accept such repentance.
Intentions alone to properly repent, Hashem will immediately forgive and reward the sinner.
Spirit of purity and a greater understanding of Hashem’s love, He will form within the returning sinner. This will help him attain the various aspects of repentance even those not within his powers.
Teshuvah, it reaches Hashem’s Throne of Glory.
[Note: The bold letters in the above paragraph spell the words “Great is teshuvah.” This phrase will help us remember some of the ideas concerning teshuvah. The * (starred) bold letters and the * (starred) bold word teshuvah in the above paragraphs, when rearranged, also spell the words “Great is teshuvah.” They match the bold letters and will help us locate the information that explains each concept of teshuvah mentioned in the above paragraphs.]
We can apply the ideas expressed by the Seforno and Orchos Tzaddikim to our lives. Daily, we should examine our thoughts and actions. When realizing that something is not proper, we should immediately repent.
We should never excuse ourselves from repenting. We should not say, “Such a sin, Hashem won’t accept repentance,” “So many sins, Hashem will not accept the teshuvah,” or “Teshuvah, it takes too long to be forgiven.”
Rather, we should be motivated to repent by remembering the aspects of “Great is teshuvah.” Hashem gave us the ability to recognize our sin(s). He wants us to use this great gift of teshuvah—no matter what! With proper intentions, Hashem will immediately accept and help us complete our teshuvah. Indeed, we can reach the level of spiritual purity and a greater understanding of Hashem’s love.
There are additional methods that will make it easier for us to become aware of the many aspects of teshuvah. These methods can be found and learned in ethical seforim (books). Also, we may ask our Rabbis and teachers for advice.
Hashem wants every sinner to repent —
He will accept and help everyone who repents!
“Great is teshuvah!”
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Important Numbers
