Our Torah portion this week, Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89), contains 18 mitzvot (commandments). Each day Rabbi Woznica is choosing one of the 18 mitzvot to explore.
God spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the Israelites: When a man or woman commits any wrong toward a fellow man, thus breaking faith with Adonai, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess the wrong he has done. (Numbers 5:5-7)
This mitzvah, to repent and to confess wrongdoings, is embedded in our tradition. Rebbe Eliezer teaches “Repent one day before your death.” Yet, as the Talmud points out (Shabbat 153a) since one never knows their last day, we should be in the process of teshuva (repentance) every day.
Judaism appreciates the importance of regularly reflecting on our actions. So, take a few moments every day to do so. When we engage in the process of teshuva (acknowledging our sins and making recompense) we bring ourselves closer to God while treating our fellow human beings with greater goodness.
— Rabbi David Woznica