Sicha, 6 Tishrei 5742
A. The Climate for Repentance
The mitzvah of teshuvah, or repentance, is the decision to completely cease from transgressing (Source 1). The most opportune time for teshuvah is during the Ten Days of Teshuvah (Source 2). The Talmud teaches (Source 3) that the special power the community possesses throughout the year to nullify decrees is granted even to an individual during the Ten Days of Teshuvah.
The Rebbe clarifies that although the individual’s power during the Ten Days of Repentance is equivalent to the power of the community during the rest of the year, the power of the community during these days is certainly even greater.
The Rebbe asks: In the process of teshuvah, a person is required to conduct a thorough self-reflection to understand what they have been lacking in their service of G-d. They must contemplate G-d’s greatness and their own lowlines for having offended against Him. Seemingly, to accomplish these tasks, one would need to withdraw and reflect internally. So why do we say there is an advantage to doing this in the company of others?
B. Everyone Runs to the Synagogue
A principle in Jewish law and tradition states that when observant Jews follow a certain practice, it serves to validate that it is the correct way to act (Source 4). Practically, we observe that on Yom Kippur, when all Jews are commanded to repent, everyone goes to the synagogue, even those who do not outwardly observe mitzvot throughout the year.
The explanation: When a person conducts a self-assessment of their spiritual state, it is likely that their ego will be generous to them, leading them to judge themselves subjectively and with bias. The solution is to conduct this introspection alongside another person who can provide an objective perspective. This is the meaning of the statement by the Mitteler Rebbe that when two Jews meet, there are two G-dly souls battling only one animalistic soul. (Source 5)
However, even a good friend cannot advise a person in every area, as each individual has expertise only in a specific area. Therefore, it is optimal to repent as part of a community, for through consulting with an entire community, a person will receive the best advice and support for their teshuvah process.
At the same time, a person should not fall into despondency as a result of their self-examination. They must remember that sin is merely an external attachment that has clung to them—it is not an intrinsic part of their soul, and it can be removed through teshuvah.
