This week, Jewish people from all around the world will commence the 25 hour fast of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day dedicated to one's self-reflection, repentance, and ultimately seeking forgiveness from Hashem. 

But why do we fast? During the Israelites journey out of Egypt, Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, written on two stone tablets, by the hand of G-d. The first two commandments, which declared that the Israelites should not worship any other gods but G-d, was central to their covenant with Hashem. However, over time, growing inpatient with Moses’ absence, the Israelites decided to build the infamous golden calf. As Moses descended and witnessed their actions he violently smashed the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed. The Israelites sought to atone for their actions and Moses once again ascended onto Mount Sinai, fasting for 40 days, pleading with Hashem to forgive his people. On the 10th of Tishrei, G-d agreed to forgive the sin of the Golden Calf. He gave Moses a new  set of Tablets. Therefore, the 10th of Tishrei was designated as a day of forgiveness for all future generations.  

This story of sin, atonement, and forgiveness forms the basis of observing Yom Kippur. Just as the Israelites sought forgiveness for their actions against Hashem, we too are given the opportunity to reflect on our sins and seek forgiveness. This process of self-reflection and forgiveness is called Teshuva - Repentance. The word Teshuva translates  as ‘to return’, a return to the path of righteousness, a return to our values, and a return to our relationship with G-d. It's a constant reminder that no matter the actions we have committed, we are always capable of coming back and correcting our wrongdoings. 

This process of teshuva is outlined by the Rambam who teaches us that teshuva is actually a process of self-evaluation and self-improvement. The Rambam explains four primary steps to the teshuva process:

Firstly, recognize and discontinue the improper action. What is the action you seek to be forgiven for? Rambam expresses that without true acknowledgement of our sins we cannot truly be forgiven. Rambam emphasizes that we must be completely honest with ourselves—only when we stop justifying our actions and fully recognize our mistakes can we begin to make amends. 

The next step is vidui, or to verbally confess the action, giving the action a concrete form in our own mind. By speaking our sins out loud, we give form to our mistakes and hold ourselves accountable.

Thirdly, regret the action. Rambam teaches us that we must reflect on the harm that our actions may have caused both to ourselves and to others. 

Lastly, vow to never repeat said action. True teshuva encapsulates a commitment to change. This is perhaps the most challenging part of the process, as it requires individuals to ensure lasting change in their behavior: this step transforms teshuvah from a temporary feeling of remorse into a solid path of growth.

However, teshuva is not enough. Jewish tradition teaches that while on Yom Kippur we can atone for sins between us and G-d, G-d cannot grant us forgiveness for sins between people until we have taken responsibility and sought forgiveness from those we have wronged. Therefore, in the days before Yom Kippur many people reach out to those they have wronged. 

Ultimately, as we approach Yom Kippur we are reminded that the opportunity for teshuva is a gift. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and attempt to create change within us. At the end of the day we are all humans. The inevitable aspect of mistakes is one that haunts many of us. However, Yom Kippur teaches us that no matter the action committed, there is always a pathway of forgiveness. 

I wish everyone a reflective day of atonement, hoping that we can all take this day to reflect, and come back as better people. 

Safe fast and Shabbat Shalom!

Yoav, Grade 12