Teshuva is commonly defined as repentance. The Webster's English dictionary defines repentance as, "The act of repenting; sorrow for having done wrong". The definition given for repent is 'To feel remorse or regret..to change ones mind concerning past action.." While these explanations are helpful, they fall short when describing the true meaning of Teshuva. Any time a person a sins, whether he has committed a sin against G-d or he has wronged another person, he has in essence caused damage...(more)

Teshuva is commonly defined as repentance. The Webster's English dictionary defines repentance as, "The act of repenting; sorrow for having done wrong". The definition given for repent is 'To feel remorse or regret..to change ones mind concerning past action.." While these explanations are helpful, they fall short when describing the true meaning of Teshuva. Any time a person a sins, whether he has committed a sin against G-d or he has wronged another person, he has in essence caused damage to his own soul. Through Teshuva, G-d gives us the opportunity to undo the damage we have caused. This concept is purely G-dly. In our physical world, while someone may apologize and be forgiven for, say, breaking a glass, it cannot be fixed in a way that would truly make it as good as new.

When a person wrongs another person, he must obviously approach that person and beg his forgiveness before he can continue his efforts to Teshuva. Every sin is in essence a sin against the commandments of G-d, and causes damage to our soul, diminishing its purity. Teshuva gives one the ability to mend the deep spiritual damage he has caused, and in the process, become a greater person than he as before he sinned.

While there are many components to Teshuva (Rabbenu Yona lists 20), the following four are considered the most essential: Azivas Hachet- leaving the sin, Charata - regret, Vidduy - cofession, and Kabbalah L'Habba-resolution for the future. The first step is recognizing that one's actions are inappropriate. Then one must stop the action, regret that he did it, admit that he was wrong, and resolve never to transgress in this area again. Each of these aspects is crucial if one wants to effect a real change in his behavior. These steps are actually integral to any behavior modification program, which can be understood by looking a the example of someone who overeats and is overweight. he may feel dissatisfied with the situation, but only once he recognizes that he is hurting himself will he implement a weight loss and exercise plan.

The process of Teshuva is a gift with which G-d guides us to change and better ourselves. We have the opportunity to purify our souls and build ourselves to a higher spiritual level. We can mitigate or completely erase the effects of sin, just as in the physical realm, one who implements a weight loss program will significantly lower or remove his medical risks by controlling his weight.

There are two types of Teshuva. The first, Teshuva me'yirah, is teshuva that a person does out of fear. He recognize the Greatness of G-d and the severity of having disobeyed Him. He understands the spiritual damage he has caused by distancing himself from G-d, and regrets his negative actions. This kind of Teshuva is so powerful that it can change a premeditated sin to the level of an error, thereby drastically changing the spiritual repercussions of this action.

The second type of Teshuva is Teshuva Me'ahava, repentance motivated by love of G-d. The sinner recognizes his sin as an act of defiance against G-d, Whom he loves deeply, and this intensifies his feelings of guilt and remorse. He feels that he has misused the capabilities G-d blessed him with, and that he has caused damage to the pure soul which he was given. The difference between the two types of teshuva may be compared to the feeling one has when he is confronted by a police officer, as opposed to how one would feel when he is reproached by his father.

Teshuva can and should be a part of our every day. Three times a day, in the Shemoneh Esrei, we ask to be forgiven for sins we may have committed. While a murderer or a thief has the opportunity to completely turn his life around through Teshuva, every person should use the gift of teshuva to change their lives daily, by correcting small or seemingly insignificant mistakes and lapses.

During the High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we have a special mitzvah and opportunity to do Teshuva. The allegory given is that of a king who welcomes his subjects to approach him in his palace. Those who are willing travel to the capital and ready themselves for an audience. Once a year, the king himself travels to each town to be close to his people. During this visit all of the subjects come to greet him and bring their requests. Those who don't utilize this opportunity are simply foolish. Similarly, while G-d would accept our Teshuva at any time, during the High Holy Days. He so to speak comes closer to us waiting for us to repent and grow closer to him. (less)