Page 62 - HaMizrachi #32 RH-YK 2021 USA

FAMILY SECTION

FAMILY DISCUSSION
Four Stages of Teshuva 2 Leaving the sin behind.

After we feel regret, we must
During the Yamim Noraim, we talk about teshuva, or stop acting the way that we
repentance. But what is it exactly? Teshuva means did, and leave the sin behind.

“return,” and it is our effort to return to Hashem by Ask your child: How can we make
righting the wrongs that we have committed. Teshuva sure you don’t do that again?
is a process, with different stages: recognizing when 3 Verbalization. Next, we
we’ve hurt others, righting our wrongs by saying verbally express the sin that we
“sorry” or forgiving, and resolving to do better the have committed through Vidui.

next time. The Yamim Noraim present an opportunity Say with your child: “I have done
to discuss concepts like forgiveness, empathy, and such and such; I deeply regret my
actions, and I declare before G-d, Who
reevaluating priorities together with our children. knows my innermost thoughts, that
I will try to never do this again.”

4 Resolution for the future.
Here are the stages of teshuva we have done something Finally, we gather our determi-
to discuss with your family: wrong, and genuinely feeling nation and resolve to not let the
remorse for our sins. transgression happen again.
1 Regret. The beginning of Ask your child: Have you done Tell your child: I’m here to help
teshuva is a recognition that anything lately that you regret? you. I believe you can do it!

Kids are often surprised that teshuva Make sure your children are
is possible by taking these steps aware that teshuva is an
in whatever language you ongoing process that cannot
are most comfortable with, be accomplished overnight.
and that we can talk to G-d No matter how many
whenever we want to – not just during times they may stumble
the prescribed times for davening. in the teshuva process, they
It is important to dwell on this for a little can and must simply pick
while because the idea that G-d is always themselves up and keep
accessible and that we can always speak to trying to stay on the right path.
Him, even and especially when we’ve done G-d loves each of us more
something wrong, is a foundational deeply that we can express in
principle of our relationship with G-d. words. All He wants is for us
to try as hard as we can!

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