The Beginner's Guide: 5 Inspiring Boosts That Will Lift You Up

According to the Talmud, our generation is the last one before the coming of the Messiah, the last generation of exile and the first generation of redemption. The troubles, pains, and spiritual concealment increase until the moment of the light of redemption. Despite this, during this time of darkness many find their way back to Judaism. What is the power of repentance, and how is repentance viewed in heaven? Following are some particularly powerful encouragements.

1. Thanks to whom does the Messiah come? Thanks to the penitents among the People of Israel

It is stated in the Talmud: "Rabbi Jonathan said: Great is repentance that it brings the redemption closer, as it is said: 'And a redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob.' What is the reason a redeemer shall come to Zion? Because of those who turn from transgression in Jacob" (Talmud Yoma, page 86).

The redeemer will come to restore the glory of Zion, the Temple, and the Sanhedrin, and also to those who have returned from their sin. Our sages reveal to us that thanks to the penitents who have returned from their ways, the Messiah will come, thus bringing the redemption closer.

2. You have a greater virtue than the righteous

One of the most famous sayings in the world of repentance is "In the place where penitents stand, perfect righteous ones cannot stand" (Talmud Berachot, page 34). One explanation for the great stature of a penitent compared to a righteous person is that the righteous person grew up with the way of the Torah and commandments, which became his nature and habit, while the Jew raised on a distant path overcame difficulties and habits, left their comfort zone, and chose to walk a new path.

The Rambam, one of the greatest halachic authorities, writes in his halachic work 'Mishneh Torah': "A penitent should not think that he is distant from the level of righteous because of the sins and transgressions he committed. It is not so, but he is beloved and pleasant before the Creator as if he never sinned. Not only that, his reward is great, for he tasted the taste of sin and separated from it and conquered his impulse".

A penitent must face many temptations and challenges compared to a righteous person, whose family, environment, and acquaintances walk the path of the Torah. Since a penitent grew up accustomed to things that were forbidden, which he saw as permitted, he is required to overcome his impulse regarding matters that were until now part of his nature, a task requiring great strength of character.

Because a penitent must stand firm against such trials, which the righteous never encountered, his spiritual level is greater.

3. Took a small step? From there, Hashem will lead you

There is a Midrash that says, "My children, open for me one opening of repentance like the eye of a needle, and I will open for you openings through which wagons and carts can enter" (Song of Songs Rabbah 5:2). What is special about the opening of a needle? Anyone who has pierced an ear and stopped wearing earrings knows the hole will remain forever. Hashem desires us to make a small step of strengthening and drawing closer to Him, and from there He will show us the way and provide heavenly assistance for us to reach high spiritual levels.

4. Reaching up to the heavenly throne

The Talmud states: "Rabbi Levi said: Great is repentance that it reaches up to the heavenly throne, as it is said: 'Return, O Israel, unto Hashem your God' (Hosea 14:2)" (Talmud Yoma, page 86).

Repentance reaches up to the heavenly throne, as it is said: 'Return, O Israel, unto Hashem your God' (Hosea 14:2)."

5. Repentance cancels decrees

The Midrash says: "Which is greater, prayer or repentance? Rabbi Judah son of Rabbi Hiyya says: Repentance cancels half the decree, prayer cancels the entire decree. And Rabbi Joshua son of Levi says: Prayer cancels half the decree, repentance cancels the entire decree" (Pesikta Rabbati (Ish Shalom) Ch. 47