An article by Rabbi Sarah H. Reines* is valuable in helping our understanding of the word “repentance.”  Rabbi Reines writes:

“True repentance demands action.  The Hebrew word teshuva is generally used to mean repentance, but it literally means turning.  Teshuva expresses a process of reorientation that demands a complete change of mind, heart, and behavior.  It requires (1) recognizing our wrongdoing, (2) expressing our regret, (3) doing our best to reconcile with the injured party or, at least, make appropriate restitution to those we have wronged, and (4) changing our ways.  We achieve full teshuva when, faced with the reality of our wrongdoing, we acknowledge the transtression, then choose an appropriate and ethical response.  At that point, we will know we have turned away from evil and towards righteousness.

The process of teshuva is not articulated in Torah (the Five Books of Moses).  Its development throughout centuries of interpretation is one example of how normative Judaism grows out of the more expansive definition of Torah – namely, the entirety of Jewish scriptural tradition that encompasses the many centuries of interpretation postdating both the canonization of the Hebrew Bible and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Too often, we brush off mistakes and misdeeds with empty words of apology.  Like the perfunctory ritual sacrifice, this is a meaningless gesture.  And when we take atonement less seriously, we risk taking transgression less seriously, as well.  True repentance is painful and difficult.  It doesn’t happen quickly, but it has lasting effect and is deeply fulfilling – for the penitent and for all creation.  As it is said, ‘Great is teshuva; it brings healing to the world.'”

*Rabbi Sarah H. Reines.  “Turning Ourselves Around.”  The Living Pulpit.  April-June 2007, pages 8-9.