Forgiveness in Judaism
Forgiveness is important in Judaism and it teaches that it is a duty, or a mitzvahA commandment or a good deed. The plural is mitzvot., that Jews should try their best to obey. Teachings on forgiveness can be found in the Torah.
Do not hate your brother in your heart.
Who is a God like You, who forgives iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not maintain His anger forever, for He desires loving-kindness.
Judaism teaches that because humans have been given free will, they are responsible for their own actions. The belief is that if they commit an action which is wrong, then they must seek forgiveness. Forgiveness can only be accepted from the victim.
Judaism places great emphasis on teshuvaLiterally means ‘returning'. It is a way of atoning and requires cessation of the harmful act, regret over the action, confession and then repentance. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, when Jews particularly strive to perform teshuva., or repentance. This is when Jews may actively try to make amends for the wrongs they have committed. They do this by:
- reflecting on their wrongs
- seeking forgiveness for their wrongs
- praying
- turning to the Torah for guidance