Teaching Team
The Attitude of Teshuva
As the month of Elul presses on, we continue our self-introspection in preparation for the High Holidays. We should evaluate every quality and characteristic of our life and thus make the necessary corrections. If we judge ourselves then we prevent the Heavenly court from passing strict judgment upon us. Hashem sees our desire to improve and therefore has compassion. With all of the introspection, we must be sure to remember to have a proper attitude in doing teshuva (repentance).
A good example of the proper attitude to approach teshuva is found in Luke 18:9-14. In this story we have two characters: one is a particular Pharisee who is self-righteous and the other is a tax collector. This particular Pharisee views his fellow man with disdain. Since he obeys the Torah, he believes he is right in the eyes of G-d. He considers himself to be more righteous than the tax collector (who has probably cheated others in the past). The Pharisee thanks G-d that he isn’t like others who sin in various ways. He also points out to G-d that he does several righteous acts. The Sages teach that it is possible for one to be an apostate with the permission of the Torah. This is similar to the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 in which he speaks of the letter of the Torah versus the spirit of the Torah. Cf. James 2; 4:11-12.
The tax collector, however, humbles himself before his Creator. Having remorse over his past actions he confesses his sins and asks G-d to have mercy. He doesn’t call to G-d’s attention any righteous acts he has done; he only seeks the mercy of G-d. The Master said this man went away justified because he humbled himself before G-d. We should never approach G-d demanding His mercy or forgiveness. Rather, we should come to Him like a little child who asks for a free gift from his father or mother.
Another aspect of teshuva is happiness. This may sound odd; after all, shouldn’t we be remorseful? True, remorse and sorrow over past deeds is a part of teshuva. However, we must humbly have faith in G-d that He is able to forgive. Once forgiven we should be joyful. Consider the words of the Master in Luke 15:1-7. If there is joy in Heaven over them, shouldn’t we ourselves be joyful? Many people in the Apostles went away, after receiving forgiveness, giving praise to Hashem. A favorite teacher of mine says that if you are not smiling, then you aren’t doing real teshuva! May each of us be inscribed and sealed for a good year, amen.
(Credit: Brian R. Volunteer/ Researcher)
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