To repent and confess wrongdoings

Repentance – תְּשׁוּבָה

• The essence of teshuvah is viduy. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1) stresses that without confession, repentance is incomplete. Sefer HaChinuch (364) explains that this process humbles the sinner and roots out arrogance. Midrash Tanchuma calls confession “the cure,” likening it to a bandage on a wound.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Confession acknowledges Hashem as the ultimate Judge and Forgiver. Ramban (Num. 5:7) says viduy confirms belief in Divine providence and justice, while denial of sin reflects weakened faith.

Between a person and G-d – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Viduy is directed solely to Hashem. The Talmud (Yoma 36b) makes clear that confession is not interpersonal but covenantal. Rambam highlights that this preserves intimacy between sinner and Hashem.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• National viduy in the Yom Kippur service demonstrates collective accountability. Rambam (Hilchot Ta’aniyot 1:3) writes that communities must confess during calamities, transforming private practice into communal identity.

Speech – דָּבָר

• The mitzvah requires articulation, not silent thought. Sifra explains that one must verbalize sin specifically. Rambam says this is because speech concretizes inner regret into action.

Tefillah – תְּפִלָּה

• Viduy and tefillah overlap in addressing Hashem directly. On Yom Kippur, prayer and confession merge. The Talmud (Yoma 87b) teaches that even prayer without confession lacks full atonement.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Confession elevates the sinner, restoring his sanctity. Sefer HaChinuch (364) emphasizes that this mitzvah prevents despair and allows renewed kedushah. Ramban ties this to Israel’s role as a holy nation.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Viduy reflects fear of Heaven. Rambam teaches that awareness of Hashem’s judgment inspires honesty. By confessing, a person demonstrates awe of Hashem’s omniscience and trust in His mercy.

Rosh Hashanah – רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה

• Rosh Hashanah initiates the Ten Days of Teshuvah. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:6) says it is a time when Hashem is especially near to those who repent. Viduy is emphasized during this season as Jews proclaim Hashem’s kingship and prepare for atonement. Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 29:1) describes Rosh Hashanah as the day of judgment, where confession and repentance sweeten the verdict.

Yom Kippur – יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים

• Yom Kippur is the climax of viduy. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:7) writes that teshuvah and confession are most accepted on this day, when Hashem cleanses Israel. The Talmud (Yoma 85b) affirms that Yom Kippur itself, coupled with confession, atones for sins. Sefer HaChinuch (185) explains that the repeated communal viduy teaches humility and unites Israel in collective repentance.