The word teshuvah elicits various associations depending on who hears it. Some older English translations of liturgical texts translate it as “repentance.” And while that’s not completely wrong, translating it this way likely stems from the Western World’s common understanding of religion as a wrong vs. right-based system. Do wrong, repent, repeat.
Teshuva: Repent or Return? What It Really Means
However, the Hebrew language reveals a deeper understanding. The root of the word Teshuvah is shuv, meaning “return.” Similarly, the word mitzvah is commonly translated as “commandment,” which is also only partially correct. The translation encompassing its full meaning is “connection.” Reading it this way is to understand that doing a mitzvah commanded by G-d also connects us to G-d.
From this we can easily understand teshuvah’s true meaning. If falling into sin comprises a disconnect from G-d, we can enact teshuvah as a portal to reconnect, or return to Him. Hence, the definition we like to lean into is “return.”
Origins of the Concept of Teshuvah
Maimonedes, the foundational 12th-13th Century Jewish philosopher, writes in his Guide to the Perplexed (3:36) about the importance of teshuvah. He teaches that the mere knowledge that we have teshuvah available to us in the Jewish faith prevents sin. Think about it: we know that our Father in Heaven would surely forgive us upon our return to Him. This can inspire us to do the right thing from the start. In a world with no forgiveness, society could easily fall into a hopeless mindset of, “Who cares, anyway?” But beyond the binary of right vs. wrong, Chassidut reveals a more holistic explanation. The Zohar (the foundational work of Kabbalah channeled by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the 13th-century) explains that G-d’s manifestation is as a vestige of His “light” that lives in each of us. And because G-d’s light is eternal, our own souls are just as sacred. Therefore, any act that goes against our inner truth goes against G-d. And any act against G-d’s directives defies our truest selves. In fact, Judaism believes that having this spark inside us means we can’t sever that connection for long. Eventually, we feel regretful, we return and we’re forgiven. That’s teshuvah.How Do We Do Teshuvah?
So then how does it work? It’s remarkably simple. To “do” teshuvah – return to our true selves and to G-d – involves three simple, essential components:Admission – Verbalizing
Say it. Either to yourself, to someone else, or as prayer. No one has to hear you, but you may choose to involve someone. However feels right to you, just admit what you did wrong. Then reflect on that a bit.Remorse – Feeling
Feel sorry. As children, we’re taught to say “sorry” for hurting someone or damaging their belongings. But as we mature, we know the difference between verbally apologizing and actually feeling and expressing remorse. We know which one helps the other party feel better. The same is true for your soul. As mentioned above, teshuvah means returning to the ultimate Self. When you think about this, real feelings of remorse will follow.Resolution – Deciding
Take action (or hold back). The third step of teshuvah is where the real transformation happens. This is where you go from the theoretical to the concrete. Through resolving to change your behavior next time around, you’re telling G-d you want to act more like the real you, and draw closer to Him.Thought, Speech and Deed
You may have noticed that these three steps reflect the three levels on which we work on ourselves: in thought, speech and deed. Though the order here is slightly different, this concept only strengthens our point. That teshuvah serves not only as an action towards G-d, but as a way to truly and deeply improve ourselves.Teshuvah in Connection to Tzedakah
Perhaps the most well-known association between teshuvah and tzedakah is the line from the High Holiday liturgy (Machzor), originating from the Talmud: “Teshuvah, Tefillah and Tzedakah can avert the evil decree.” Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the 10 Days of Teshuvah between them, are marked by the directive to reflect on one’s actions of the past year and resolve to do better moving forward. During this time, we also focus on appealing to G-d for blessings in the coming year. The reality is, though, we can’t change the truth of whether we deserve blessings or punishment for our actions. But here, the sages of the Talmud tell us that doing these three mitzvot can actually change G-d’s decision about how He’ll deal with us. Based on this, Maimonides deems it crucial to give tzedakah in connection with doing teshuvah: “Among the characteristics of repentance is for the repentant individual to constantly call out before Hashem tearfully and with petitions. One should give charity according to one’s capacity…”Tzedakah’s True Meaning Binds it to Teshuvah
Similarly to how the word teshuvah is often mistranslated, the word tzedakah often is too. Colloquially, we call tzedakah “charity”. However, a more accurate term would be justice, or further, “morally just giving.” The distinction is that “charity” implies a benevolent giving of one’s owned assets, whether the recipient deserves it or not. But Judaism believes that everything we have is really on loan from G-d. And in the case of possessions or money, we’re meant to not just use it for our benefit, but forward it to where it rightfully belongs. That’s why Tzedakah is a halachically mandated mitzvah (i.e. required by Torah Law). It isn’t merely a kind gesture. It’s an act of redistributing wealth, thereby restoring justice. That’s precisely why the very nature of tzedakah goes hand-in-hand with teshuvah. Contributing to justice is a direct way to make amends for having gone against our morals and our truest selves.G-d Loves (Us) When We Give
Furthermore, among mitzvot, Tzedakah has a special stature. This fact has caused tzedakah funds and philanthropy to become an enduring Jewish tradition throughout history. In support of this, in his Mishneh Torah, Maimonedes states: “We have never seen or heard of a Jewish community without a tzedakah fund,” and “Israel is redeemed only through tzedakah, as it is said, “Zion shall be redeemed with judgment and those that return by tzedakah.” ” This interpretation implies spiritual redemption for “those who return,” referring to anyone who wants to reconnect with G-d. Namely, that we can all be in His good graces through the selfless act of giving to others in need.Where Should I Give Tzedakah?
There’s seemingly no end to the list of people who could use your generous help. And there are myriad Jewish organizations to donate to. Even within Colel Chabad, there are many worthy outlets for your tzedakah money. We have initiatives to provide:- nutrition security
- medical assistance
- childcare
- summer camps
- seasonal/holiday resources
- interest-free loans to the neediest in Israel.
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