Forgiveness (מחילה)
Forgiveness is a value discussed throughout the Jewish textual tradition. It is particularly associated with the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and the days that lead up to them.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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God's Boundless ForgivenessTANAKH
God's Boundless Forgiveness
TANAKH
Many biblical prophets emphasize God's willingness to forgive transgression. The prophet Micah, speaking during the First Temple period, calls for sincere worship and emphasizes God's unparalleled ability to forgive and show enduring love towards the Israelite people.
The First Act of ForgivenessCOMMENTARY
The First Act of Forgiveness
COMMENTARY
The biblical Joseph ultimately forgives his brothers for having sold him into slavery, which becomes the first instance of forgiveness described in the biblical narrative. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers as part of his long journey from suffering to success, arguing that it is a profound moral and spiritual achievement.
The Limits of ForgivenessTALMUD
The Limits of Forgiveness
TALMUD
Forgiveness is not unlimited; repeat offenders will eventually no longer be forgiven for their sins. The Babylonian Talmud in tractate Yoma brings biblical verses to demonstrate that some sinners cannot be forgiven.
Healing Through ForgivenessTALMUD
Healing Through Forgiveness
TALMUD
Recovery from illness is seen as a sign of divine forgiveness, linking physical healing to spiritual renewal. The talmudic tractate Nedarim explores the connection between divine forgiveness and recovery from illness, suggesting that healing is a manifestation of spiritual cleansing.
The Limits of AtonementMISHNAH
The Limits of Atonement
MISHNAH
Yom Kippur atones for sins between a person and God but not for sins between individuals until the wronged party is appeased. Tractate Yoma of the Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, emphasizes the necessity of genuine repentance and the distinction between sins against God and sins against fellow humans.
The Path to Genuine ForgivenessMUSAR
The Path to Genuine Forgiveness
MUSAR
True forgiveness requires genuine regret and a commitment to change one's behavior. The 15th-century ethical work, Orchot Tzadikim, emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance and ethical conduct.
Communal Forgiveness and AspirationHALAKHAH
Communal Forgiveness and Aspiration
HALAKHAH
The days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur traditionally include recitation of Selichot prayers, which ask for God's forgiveness for humanity's sins. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, in his contemporary presentation of Jewish law, Peninei Halakhah, explores the customs and spiritual foundations of this practice.
A Plea for ForgivenessTANAKH
A Plea for Forgiveness
TANAKH
Saul's personal acknowledgment of his mistakes and his direct appeal for forgiveness offer a profound lesson in humility and reconciliation. In the biblical book of Samuel, Saul admits his wrongdoing and pleads for David's forgiveness, recognizing David's mercy in sparing his life.
Parental ForgivenessHALAKHAH
Parental Forgiveness
HALAKHAH
Forgiveness within the family, especially from parents to children, is a crucial aspect of maintaining harmony and respect. The Kitzur Shulchan Arukh, a 19th-century condensed code of Jewish law, emphasizes that a father can choose to forgive and waive his honor.
The Ethics of Seeking ForgivenessCOMMENTARY
The Ethics of Seeking Forgiveness
COMMENTARY
When seeking forgiveness, it is usually important to detail the specifics of the wrongdoing. In his late 19th-century commentary on Jewish law, Mishnah Berurah, Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan's notes an important exception to this principle.
The Power of Forgiving OthersTALMUD
The Power of Forgiving Others
TALMUD
Overlooking the transgressions of others can lead to personal forgiveness for one's own sins. The talmudic sage Rava teaches that those who forgive others will have their own sins pardoned by God, based on a homiletic interpretation of Micah 7:18.
