Atonement in Judaism
Atonement in Judaism is the process of causing a transgression to be forgiven or pardoned.
| Repentance in Judaism Teshuva "Return" |
|---|
|
Repentance, atonement and higher ascent in Judaism |
 |
| In the Hebrew Bible |
|
Altars · Korban Temple in Jerusalem Prophecy within the Temple |
| Aspects |
|
Confession · Atonement Love of God · Awe of God Mystical approach Ethical approach Meditation · Services Torah study Tzedakah · Mitzvot |
| In the Jewish calendar |
|
Month of Elul · Selichot Rosh Hashanah Shofar · Tashlikh Ten Days of Repentance Kapparot · Mikveh Yom Kippur Sukkot · Simchat Torah Ta'anit · Tisha B'Av Passover · The Omer Shavuot |
| In contemporary Judaism |
|
Baal Teshuva movement Jewish Renewal · Musar movement |
In Rabbinic Judaism
In Rabbinic Judaism, atonement is achieved through repentance, which can be followed by some combination of the following:
- confession
- restitution
- the occurrence of Yom Kippur (the day itself, as distinct from the Temple service performed on it)
- tribulations (unpleasant life experiences)
- the experience of dying.
- the carrying out of a sentence of lashes or execution imposed by an ordained court (not now in existence)
- Temple service (not now in existence, e.g. bringing a sacrifice).
Which of these additions are required varies according to the severity of the sin, whether it was done willfully, in error, or under duress, whether it was against God alone or also against a fellow person, and whether the Temple service and ordained law courts are in existence or not. Repentance is needed in all cases of willful sin, and restitution is always required in the case of sin against a fellow person, unless the wronged party waives it.
The following table, based on Maimonides,[1] gives an outline of the requirements for atonement in sins between man and God:
| Sinned under duress | Sinned in error | Sinned willfully | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive commandment | none | none | Repentance + confession or Yom Kippur Temple service |
| Negative commandment | none | none | Repentance + confession + Yom Kippur or Yom Kippur Temple service |
| Severe negative commandment | none | Sin offering (if Temple exists) in some cases + confession | Repentance + confession + Yom Kippur + tribulations or Repentance + confession + Yom Kippur Temple service |
| Profaning God's Name | Repentance | Sin offering (if Temple exists) in some cases + confession | Repentance + confession + Yom Kippur + tribulations + dying |
The sentence of an ordained court (when available) can also substitute for Yom Kippur + tribulations + dying. It is important to note that once a person has repented, he can be close to and beloved of God, even if his atonement is not yet complete.[2]
True repentance
The Mishnah states:
- To a man who says, 'I will sin and repent, I will sin and repent', Yom Kippur brings no atonement. For sins against God, Yom Kippur brings atonement. For sins against one's fellow man, Yom Kippur brings no atonement until he has become reconciled with the fellow man he wronged.[3]
According to Maimonides, in order to achieve true repentance the sinner must abandon his sin, remove it from his thoughts, and resolve in his heart never to repeat it, as it is said, “Let the wicked forsake his way and the man of iniquity his thoughts" (Isaiah 55:7). Likewise, he must regret the past, as it is said, "Surely after I turned I repented" (Jeremiah 31:18). He must also call Him who knows all secrets to witness that he will never return to this sin again.[4]
Lashes (Makkot)
The third chapter of tractate Makkot enumerates 59 offenses, each entailing lashes. Anyone guilty of a sin which is punished by Kareth ("excision") may be atoned by receiving these lashes. The author of this teaching, Hanina bar Gamaliel, adds, "If by the commission of a single sin one forfeits his soul before God, then all the more so by a single meritorious deed (such as voluntary submission to punishment) his soul should be saved."[5]
Execution
The Pentateuch specifies capital punishment, as opposed to private retribution or vengeance, for the following crimes: adultery (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22); bestiality (Ex. 22:18 [A. V. 19]; Lev. 20:15); blasphemy (Lev. 24:16); false evidence (intended to lead to a conviction) in capital cases (Deut. 19:16-19); false prophecy (Deut. 13:6, 18:20); idolatry or inciting others to the same (Lev. 20:2; Deut. 13:7-19, 17:2-7); incestuous or unnatural connections (Lev. 18:22, 20:11-14); insubordination to supreme authority (Deut. 17:12); kidnaping (Ex. 21:16; Deut. 24:7); licentiousness of a priest's daughter (Lev. 21:9); murder (Ex. 21:12; Lev. 24:17; Num. 35:16 et seq.); rape committed on a betrothed woman (Deut. 22:25-27) or fornication by or with her (Deut. 22:20, 23-24); striking or cursing a parent, or otherwise rebelling against parental authority (Ex. 21:15,17; Lev. 20:9; Deut. 21:18-21); Sabbath-breaking (Ex. 31:14, 35:2; Num. 15:32-36); witchcraft and augury (Ex. 22:17; Lev. 20:27).[6]
In other Jewish denominations
Some Jewish denominations may differ with Rabbinic Judaism on the importance or mechanics of atonement. Consult the articles on specific denominations for details.
External links and bibliography
 |
Look up Atonement In Judaism in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
References
- Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuva 1:1-4
- Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuva 7:7
- Mishnah Yoma 8:9
- Mishnah, Makkot 3:15
- paraphrased from Jewish Encyclopedia on Makkot (1906, PD), http://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/14061-stoning
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Singer, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). "CAPITAL PUNISHMENT". The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls.