Sin and Repentence in Judaism

[Bezant]

Hi all,

For anyone who knows:

Why does Judaism distinguish between sins against God and sins against men?

What about making up for sins like murder – isn’t that a sin against God and men?

What if, after making great effort to recieve forgiveness from the wronged, the wronged person doesn’t forgive the sinner? Does that sin remain, and have to be accounted for later?

 

[meltzerboy]

Hi all,

For anyone who knows:

Why does Judaism distinguish between sins against God and sins against men?

What about making up for sins like murder – isn’t that a sin against God and men?

What if, after making great effort to recieve forgiveness from the wronged, the wronged person doesn’t forgive the sinner? Does that sin remain, and have to be accounted for later?

I’m not a Rabbi (let alone an Orthodox Rabbi), but I think the distinction is based on the Jewish belief that sin not only severs the relationship between Man and G-d, but also the interpersonal relationship between Man and Man and between Man and Society, as well as the intrapersonal Self. In other words, the Jewish conception of sin has far-reaching effects for other people, society, and self, in addition to demonstrating disobedience toward G-d. And, by the way, there are different kinds of sins in Judaism, as there are in Catholicism.

If, after several requests, the wronged party does not forgive the sin committed against them even when the request is sincere (the issue of judging sincerity is also a topic of discussion), then the party that does not forgive is itself committing a sin. However, in the case of forgiving someone who has committed murder, since the injured party is not alive to forgive, the remaining victims (family, friends) are not obligated–in fact, cannot in good conscience–forgive the offender in place of their deceased loved one. This is a major difference between the notion of forgiveness in Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism, Man cannot accept forgiveness in this instance. However, that does not mean G-d cannot forgive the murderer by means of his atonement in this life as well as in Purgatory (Gehinnom). Ultimately, there is NO sin that G-d cannot pardon.

 

[Bezant]

I’m not a Rabbi (let alone an Orthodox Rabbi), but I think the distinction is based on the Jewish belief that sin not only severs the relationship between Man and G-d, but also the interpersonal relationship between Man and Man and between Man and Society, as well as the intrapersonal Self. In other words, the Jewish conception of sin has far-reaching effects for other people, society, and self, in addition to demonstrating disobedience toward G-d. And, by the way, there are different kinds of sins in Judaism, as there are in Catholicism.

If, after several requests, the wronged party does not forgive the sin committed against them even when the request is sincere (the issue of judging sincerity is also a topic of discussion), then the party that does not forgive is itself committing a sin. However, in the case of forgiving someone who has committed murder, since the injured party is not alive to forgive, the remaining victims (family, friends) are not obligated–in fact, cannot in good conscience–forgive the offender in place of their deceased loved one. This is a major difference between the notion of forgiveness in Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism, Man cannot accept forgiveness in this instance. However, that does not mean G-d cannot forgive the murderer by means of his atonement in this life as well as in Purgatory (Gehinnom). Ultimately, there is NO sin that G-d cannot pardon.

Meltzerboy,

No titles required. Thanks.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

I’m not a Rabbi (let alone an Orthodox Rabbi), but I think the distinction is based on the Jewish belief that sin not only severs the relationship between Man and G-d, but also the interpersonal relationship between Man and Man and between Man and Society, as well as the intrapersonal Self. In other words, the Jewish conception of sin has far-reaching effects for other people, society, and self, in addition to demonstrating disobedience toward G-d. And, by the way, there are different kinds of sins in Judaism, as there are in Catholicism.

If, after several requests, the wronged party does not forgive the sin committed against them even when the request is sincere (the issue of judging sincerity is also a topic of discussion), then the party that does not forgive is itself committing a sin. However, in the case of forgiving someone who has committed murder, since the injured party is not alive to forgive, the remaining victims (family, friends) are not obligated–in fact, cannot in good conscience–forgive the offender in place of their deceased loved one. This is a major difference between the notion of forgiveness in Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism, Man cannot accept forgiveness in this instance. However, that does not mean G-d cannot forgive the murderer by means of his atonement in this life as well as in Purgatory (Gehinnom). Ultimately, there is NO sin that G-d cannot pardon.

How does Yom Kippur fit into the forgiveness and repentence factor in Judaism? Do people atone for their sins against God and other people? What actually occurs on a personal level to a faithful Jew on Yom Kippur? Is there a confession of sins?

 

[meltzerboy]

How does Yom Kippur fit into the forgiveness and repentence factor in Judaism? Do people atone for their sins against God and other people? What actually occurs on a personal level to a faithful Jew on Yom Kippur? Is there a confession of sins?

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) consists of both the repentance of sins committed directly against G-d and those committed against other people. The sins against others must be redressed by means of asking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged. While sinning against others is certainly against G-d’s Will, the direct seeking of forgiveness from others is still required. If this is not possible because the person can no longer be found or has died, or because there are too many people who have been injured by our behavior (as in the case of Bernie Madoff, for example!), we are not technically forgiven for those sins. But my own feeling is that surely G-d gives us credit for our effort and good intentions; and, as said previously, G-d can forgive ANY sins by means of our sincere prayers. While Yom Kippur is the culmination of atonement, one is free to repent of sins at any time throughout the year, both in the synagogue and at home. One other thing about Yom Kippur, which involves the atonement prayer, is that, while vowing to make amends and not repeat our sins, we simultaneously ask G-d to discount in advance any vows we make, since we realize, due to our human imperfections, we will not be able to keep them fully.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) consists of both the repentance of sins committed directly against G-d and those committed against other people. The sins against others must be redressed by means of asking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged. While sinning against others is certainly against G-d’s Will, the direct seeking of forgiveness from others is still required. If this is not possible because the person can no longer be found or has died, or because there are too many people who have been injured by our behavior (as in the case of Bernie Madoff, for example!), we are not technically forgiven for those sins. But my own feeling is that surely G-d gives us credit for our effort and good intentions; and, as said previously, G-d can forgive ANY sins by means of our sincere prayers. While Yom Kippur is the culmination of atonement, one is free to repent of sins at any time throughout the year, both in the synagogue and at home. One other thing about Yom Kippur, which involves the atonement prayer, is that, while vowing to make amends and not repeat our sins, we simultaneously ask G-d to discount in advance any vows we make, since we realize, due to our human imperfections, we will not be able to keep them fully.

Thanks, that seems like a really great way to deal with sin. Making amends is a good idea, rather than only asking for forgiveness from God.

 

[UnworthyApostle]

This is a very Christian idea as well. Catholics are called to “make peace with their brother before approaching the altar”.