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Written by Michael
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Saturday, 25 August 2007 |
"Through the contemplations of t'shuva, a person hears the voice of G-d calling him from the Torah and from the heart, from the world and all it contains. The will for good is fortified within him. The body itself, which causes transgression, becomes more and more purified until the thought of t'shuva pervades it" (Orot HaT'shuva, 7:5).
In the beginning of his t'shuva journey, a person must realize the absolute value of his initial inspiration. He has to find a new way of judging the value of things, not always looking for concrete benefits or results. When a person undertakes t'shuva, his thoughts weigh as much as his deeds. T'shuva is not just a process of do's and don'ts, but rather a conscious and subconscious overhaul of an individual's thought processes and emotions. Already by thinking about t'shuva one is engaged in it.
"Even the thought of t'shuva brings great healing. However, the soul can only find full freedom when this potential t'shuva is actualized. Nonetheless, since the contemplation is bound up with the longing for t'shuva, there is no cause for dismay. G-d will certainly provide all of the means necessary for complete repentance, which brightens all darkness with its light... A broken and contrite heart, O G-d, Thou will not despise" (Ibid, 7:5).
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