What Is the Value of Sincere Repentance?

Daily Quote

"Great is repentance, for it brings a person closer to the Divine Presence, as it is said: 'Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God' (Hosea 14:2). And it is said: 'Yet you did not return to Me, declares Hashem' (Amos 4:6).

Yesterday, he was despised, detested, distant, and abhorrent. Today, he is beloved, delightful, close, and a friend. As you can find, in the same language that Hashem distances sinners, He brings back the penitent, whether as an individual or as a community". (Maimonides, Laws of Repentance, Chapter 7, Law 5).

The Meaning of the Quote

Based on the words of Maimonides, we can conclude that the process of repentance is both simple and straightforward. Maimonides describes how an individual who was very distant from Hashem, considered despised and distant, through repentance, can return to being close, beloved, and delightful in the eyes of Hashem. This transformation happens very quickly—from yesterday, when the person was despised and distant, to today, when he is close and beloved.

The process of repentance is accessible and available to everyone- even a person who was in the worst spiritual state and considered "detested" in the eyes of Hashem, through sincere repentance, he can return.

Maimonides explains that repentance is simple, and there are no special conditions for a person to be reaccepted. With a true desire to change and return to the right path, Hashem immediately receives the person with open arms. This is a great kindness from Hashem.

A Few Words About the Author

Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (1138-1204) lived more than 800 years ago and was one of the greatest halachic commentator of all generations, one of the most important and revered figures in Judaism. As the saying goes: "From Moses to Moses, there was none like Moses". He was a formulator of the principles of religion and faith and was crowned with the title "The Great Eagle." Maimonides authored dozens of books, including the Mishneh Torah, Guide for the Perplexed, Commentary on the Mishnah, Sefer Hamitzvot, and others.