Viduy

The Rambam in Hilchot Teshuva explained that the essence of the Mitzva of repentance, can be summed up in one word, וידוי, confession.

The idea of expressing a desire to affect change comes with an admission of our wrongdoings. We must verbalize the exact transgression that needs to be fixed. This applies both regarding sins between man and G-d, as well as sins between man and man.

Often it takes a great deal of courage to say those three words, “I was wrong.” It shows humility and a recognition that something needs to be fixed.

Probably the most moving part of the Temple service on Yom Kippur was when the masses heard the Kohein Hagadol doing Viduy three times. He confessed the sins of his family, the sins of all of the Kohanim, and the sins of the House of Israel.

He did this with intense purity as he uttered the holy Name of G-d, in the process. The people were so moved that they spontaneously fell on their faces.

Our Yom Kippur service consists of ten Viduys, beginning with the Mincha prayer before the fast. We beat our hands to our chest as we list a variety of transgressions we may have committed during the year.

On the subject of stealing, I often ask my young grandchildren if they are guilty of being a “sleep Ganav.” Were they guilty of taking away someone’s sleep by being noisy and inconsiderate. They have stolen their sleep, making them a “sleep Ganav.”

Teshuva means Viduy according to the Rambam. It is particularly important to ask forgiveness from our friends and loved ones before Yom Kippur.
Someone asked a rabbi if he needs to ask forgiveness from his wife. The rabbi’s answer, “No, you have to beg!”
We are grateful that we are given this holiest day of the year to do some serious soul searching with a resolve to do better. May we all be inscribed and sealed for a very Happy New Year.