This is the Forward’s coverage of teshuva (lit. “return” in Hebrew), the Jewish tradition of repentance.
Teshuva
The Latest
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Opinion Acknowledging Our Gravest Sin
A series of writers answer the question: Do we still know how to atone? Hardly anyone takes sin and atonement seriously anymore. Are we guilty of mistakes, errors, weaknesses and foibles? Sure. But sins? Hardly. We have come a long way from the world, which took a distinctly negative view of human nature — not…
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Opinion Does a Child Know Guilt?
A series of writers answer the question: Do we still know how to atone? The term “atonement” seems, at first glance, more applicable to adults than to children. Yet children also show a sense of responsibility when they cause harm to others. They experience guilt and remorse, and they try to make amends through acts…
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Opinion The Thrill of Repentance
A series of writers answer the question: Do we still know how to atone? The evidence is everywhere: Bernie Madoff announces that he is sorry to have caused his family pain, but then defends himself, saying that he only “made rich people richer;” Anthony Weiner first lies about his behavior, then admits his mistakes, but…
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Opinion Owning Up to My Corrections
A series of writers answer the question: Do we still know how to atone? This might be the most beautiful sentence in the English language: “You were right; I was wrong.” Enjoy it now: You’ll seldom hear it again. And you’ll say it even less. Both lapses are unfortunate, but the latter is worse. Because…
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Opinion Hitting the Moral Reset Button
A series of writers answer the question: Do we still know how to atone? Atonement, the practice of making amends for one’s sins, is a central component of many religions. Both Catholicism and Protestantism have forms of confession and reconciliation. Even Calvinism, which emphasizes a lack of control over one’s ultimate fate, depends on repentance…
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Opinion When You Don’t Want To Say You’re Sorry
A series of writers answer the question: Do we still know how to atone? My mother said it every year to my sister and me when she was getting us dressed to go to High Holy Day services: “Apologize. Say you’re sorry for all the things you did wrong to each other this year.” Ever…
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Opinion Hard To Repent If It’s Everyone Else’s Fault
Well, the High Holy Days are upon us once again, and from the look of things, it seems the season of repentance and atonement is going to prove harder than ever to slog through this year. Not that we won’t give it our best. The trouble is, it’s hard to repent effectively when you believe…
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Culture Anthony Weiner’s Personalized Prayer List
The week before Yom Kippur, it is customary for Jews to repent in synagogue for their sins. The Forward has received a copy of former Rep. Anthony Weiner’s personalized prayer list. Oh Exalted God, For the sin of Abusing my power, For the sin of Betraying my constituents, For the sin of Cruelty to my…
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