75

To repent and confess wrongdoings

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Faith – אֱמוּנָה

To repent before G-d and verbally confess sins.

This mitzvah commands that when one sins, he must repent (teshuvah) and confess verbally before Hashem (viduy). Confession must be spoken aloud, acknowledging the sin and expressing remorse, along with a firm commitment not to repeat it. Repentance is not complete without verbal confession, for words transform inner regret into a concrete act of return to Hashem.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1): Every mitzvah violation requires teshuvah and verbal viduy. The essential formula is: “I have sinned, I have acted wrongly, I will not return to this again.”
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 364): The root is to bring awareness and humility, as admitting wrongdoings strengthens the soul and draws a person closer to Hashem’s mercy.
  • Talmud (Yoma 86b): States that teshuvah is so powerful it transforms sins into merits when done out of love for Hashem.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וְהִתְוַדּ֗וּ אֶֽת־חַטָּאתָם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשׂוּ֒ וְהֵשִׁ֤יב אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ֙ בְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹ וַחֲמִישִׁת֖וֹ יֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֑יו וְנָתַ֕ן לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָשַׁ֥ם לֽוֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת נָשׂא
Numbers 5:7 - they shall confess the sin they committed, and make restitution for the principal amount of his guilt, add its fifth to it, and give it to the one against whom he was guilty.

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Speech - דָּבָר

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Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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