Tikkun for Pgam Habris: [Torah Or Ki Sisa]

In reference to fixing the sin of Pgam Habris [i.e. Zera Levatala] the Zohar states that one is required to return to G-d with much greater energy and love [than regular repentance]. The reason for this is as follows: The sin of Pgam Habris comes as a result of connecting oneself too intensely with the matters of the world. The term Bris, which means covenant, is an expression of connection, Hiskashrus. In the side of holiness, this refers to a deep connection of one’s soul to G-d. In the side of evil, it is a deep connection of one’s soul to the lusts and pleasures of the physical world. It is for this reason that in order to fix the sin of Pgam Habris which resulted from immersing his soul in the lusts and passions of physical pleasure, that he must in turn immerse his soul in love and desire for G-d.

• The Divine lesson: Many observant and G-d-fearing Jews unfortunately stumble in the most severe and terrible sin of Pgam Habris. The challenge is enormous and is like an actual Nissayon of which once one becomes addicted to it, it becomes a great struggle to overcome. One of the great dilemmas that such individuals face is the guilt that they feel after the transgression. At the time of the sin they are overcome by the moment, almost possessed by their lusts, but never truly desire to do it and hence are filled with remorse and guilt after its occurrence. This guilty feeling can be so severe that it can lead to depression and become an obstacle in a Jews service of G-d, viewing himself as unworthy to serve Him anymore. This in fact was the true and sly scheme of the evil inclination to begin with, to shower the person with so much guilt that he could no longer function as an Orthodox Jew. From the above teaching of the Alter Rebbe we learn that fixing the sin does not come through overindulging in feelings of guilt for its transgression. On the contrary, this is the scheme of the evil inclination, and is a leading cause for the continuity of the sin. Rather, as the Rebbe advised on numerous occasions, one must completely remove his mind from the sin and feelings of guilt for it. How then will he fix the sin and do Teshuvah? Through completely immersing himself in Torah study and service of G-d in prayer even more than before. Connect your mind and soul deeply with G-d, which is what the guilty feeling Jew truly wants, and this will correct the temporary succumbing of connecting one’s soul to the physical lusts which he truly does not want. Thus, succumbing to sin the night before should cause one to study and pray even harder the next day, and not on the contrary to a weakening in one’s divine service. Don’t forget that even the biggest of sins are judged in accordance to a person’s challenge and G-d certainly understands the difficulty His children go through in this realm.