Public admission of sin

Hi,

We have described Viduy, the process in which one verbally admits his sin, apologizes and commits never to repeat it. This is done privately, before Gd.

However: One who sins against other people is encouraged to apologize publicly. Some also encourage public apology for sins which were initially committed in public, even if they were against Gd alone.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 2:5; Raavad ibid)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Specific viduy

Hi,

We have said that teshuvah [repentance] requires viduy [verbal admission of sin].

This viduy must include specific mention of the sin that has been violated, in order to be complete.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 2:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Insincere Viduy

Hi,

We have said that repentance requires Viduy, verbal admission of sin.

Admitting the sin without deciding to abandon it is ineffective.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 2:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Repentance for financial crimes

Hi,

One who harms another person physically or financially does not atone even by paying all restitution and fines, until he admits the sin and repents, committing never to repeat the sin.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Viduy: How much?

Hi,

Although one who has recited Viduy has fulfilled the mitzvah, doing so in greater depth and at greater length is considered praiseworthy.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Viduy: How-To

Hi,

Admitting one's sins (also known as Viduy) includes specifying what one has done wrong, expressing regret for those deeds, and committing never to repeat them.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The mitzvah of teshuvah

Hi,

A Jew is obligated to admit his sins before Gd when repenting from them. There is some debate as to whether teshuvah is actually a "mitzvah," but verbal admission is an essential part of the teshuvah process, and is considered a mitzvah in itself.

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai