Hilchos Teshuvah – Chapter 1: The Mitzvah of Repentance and Confession
Halachah 1 — The Mitzvah of Teshuvah and Verbal Confession
When a person transgresses any mitzvah of the Torah—whether positive or negative, intentionally or unintentionally—repentance requires verbal confession before God. This confession is itself a positive commandment.
The essential elements of confession are:
- acknowledgment of the sin,
- expression of regret and shame,
- commitment never to repeat the act.
One who elaborates in confession is praiseworthy. Sacrifices, punishments administered by a court, or financial restitution do not bring atonement without repentance and confession.
Halachah 2 — The Goat Sent to Azazel
The goat sent to Azazel on Yom Kippur atones for all sins of Israel, whether severe or light, intentional or unintentional, known or unknown—provided one repents.
Without repentance, it atones only for lighter sins. Severe sins are those punishable by karet or court‑imposed execution; unnecessary or false oaths are also considered severe.
Halachah 3 — Teshuvah in the Absence of the Temple
In the absence of the Temple and sacrificial atonement, Teshuvah alone atones for all sins. Even one who sinned throughout his life but repented sincerely at the end is fully forgiven.
The essence of Yom Kippur atones only for those who repent.
Halachah 4 — Levels of Atonement
Although Teshuvah atones for all sins, atonement occurs on different levels, depending on the severity of the transgression:
- Violation of a positive commandment (without karet): immediate forgiveness upon repentance.
- Violation of a prohibition (without karet or execution): Teshuvah suspends punishment; Yom Kippur completes atonement.
- Sins punishable by karet or execution: Teshuvah and Yom Kippur suspend punishment; suffering completes atonement.
- Desecration of God’s Name: even repentance, Yom Kippur, and suffering do not complete atonement; death is required for full atonement.
