Two Severe Sins

The Netivot Shalom describes two of the most severe sins, where repentance is needed very badly.

The first of these sins, is the speaking of Lashon Hara against another Jew. One who is guilty of this transgression shows that he probably hates his fellow Jew. This is contrary to the obligation to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

The concept of Ahavat Yisrael, loving every Jew is a symbol of good. Lashon Hara breaks this special bond, and it is a sign of corruption in that individual. We must work hard to avoid speaking negatively against another Jew.

The second serious sin is that of גאוה, or arrogance. The purpose of Teshuva is to break down the walls that separate between ourselves and our Creator.

The arrogant one does not recognize his place in the world. He foolishly believes that he is in control of his own destiny.
Hashem despises such people and says it’s clear that it is He that is running the world, and not the arrogant one. A wall has been created between Hashem and this Baal Ga’ava.

The Rambam describes the beauty of Teshuva when he wrote, that before repentance, the sinner was distant and rejected. After Teshuva, he is loved and brought close to Hashem.

The Netivot Shalom wanted his readers to pay close attention to two sins that we can all improve upon. We must be careful with our Ahavat Yisrael, and love every Jew, with no Lashon Hara. And we must be careful to remain humble at all times.

Teshuva can be attained, but it comes with hard work. It starts by recognizing the obstacles, and learning to overcome them.