Hilchos Teshuva (2:2) - One Step at a Time

~Thoughts on Mishna Torah~

Hilchos Teshuva

Perek 2 : Halacha 2

One Step at a Time

Co-authored by: Yehuda Feinberg and Daniel Listhaus

מה היא התשובה הוא שיעזוב החוטא חטאו ויסירו ממחשבתו ויגמור בלבו שלא יעשהו עוד שנאמר יעזוב רשע דרכו וגו' וכן יתנחם על שעבר שנאמר כי אחרי שובי נחמתי ויעיד עליו יודע תעלומות שלא ישוב לזה החטא לעולם שנאמר ולא נאמר עוד אלהינו למעשה ידינו וגו' וצריך להתודות בשפתיו ולומר עניינות אלו שגמר בלבו

The concept of teshuva of course we know is more than just an apology. In fact, it is more than a sincere, genuine apology. It is an apology consisting of a multi-step process which changes who we are inside and out. Full teshuva is so powerful that it has the capacity to make the past as if it never happened. To some, this idea may seem so large and unconquerable that it is easier to accept the state we have found ourselves in than start the process. It therefore makes sense to zoom-in on the process of teshuva itself and understand what the steps entail. Once broken down, teshuva becomes conquerable.[1]

The first step to teshuva which the Rambam outlines in this halacha in azivas ha’cheit – abandonment of the sins. Certainly, this has to be the first step to the teshuva process, for otherwise the person would be apologizing while still doing the act! Interestingly, the Rambam emphasizes that the removal of sin must be not just in action but in thought as well.

The second stage, which the Rambam seems to join closely with the first one is kabbalah al ha’asid – accepting upon oneself a change of action for the future. Indeed, when one is changing it is not enough to decide to stop doing something, that just creates a vacuum. The person must be prepared to fill the cavity with positive actions moving forward to properly seal off his past.

The third step the Rambam mentions is charata – regret. The sinner must regret what the aveiros he committed through realization that he sinned against Hashem. In order to further demonstrate the fact that the person must fully regret ever committing the sin, the Rambam quotes “After I returned, I regretted”[2].

The fourth stage the Rambam lays forth is viduy – a verbal confession is a necessary part to teshuva. After resolving in the heart the new direction the person decided to take, the person must verbally confess his sins to match his thoughts.

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[1] It is interesting to point out that the Rambam had opened the perek describing the lofty level of teshuva gemurah a(complete, pure repentence) and only now is going back to break down the steps of teshuva. One would have thought it would make sense to first relate the steps and only then describe the way to do them appropriately.

[2] Yirmiyahu 31:18. It is interesting to note that the passuk says,  “After I returned, I regretted” as if to say that it is perhaps possible to do a teshuva without first regretting which is actually the opposite of what the Rambam is intending to teach here by stating that regret is an essential aspect of the teshuva process. Perhaps teshuva in the passuk refers to the mere thought of turning around, even before completing the steps.