Repentance

Repentance Synopsis

Almost every day, in ways large and small, we hurt others, most often those closest to us, in ways that we regret. We know in our hearts that our words and our deeds do not reflect our best selves. These inevitable shortcomings, if not addressed and redressed, bring guilt and shame in their wake, undermine our relationships and can even erode our self-esteem. We may want to undo what we have done, but how? We may want to reclaim our integrity, but where do we begin?REPENTANCE explores both the practical and philosophical dimensions of teshuvah-acknowledging our transgressions, confessing, feeling remorse, apologising, making restitution, soul-reckoning and avoiding sin when the next opportunity arises. It also raises profound questions about human freedom, our relationship to God and to ourselves and the nature of moral development. How do we overcome our evil impulses? How can we repent to those who have died or who are no longer reachable? What are the traits we most need to cultivate in order to repent? How can teshuvah enable us to make peace with our transgressions while also helping us develop a stronger sense of responsibility?