- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Repentance
Doing teshuva for transgressing one of the arayot?
Question
If one had sexual relations with one of the forbidden Arayot, how can they do full teshuva and tikun?
Thank you
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your question. The Torah teaches us that tshevua is always possible. One should start from that certainty – that one is always able to return.
On a practical level tshuvah involves firstly a regret of the sin. Then, one should (in prayer) confess their sin to Hashem, and ask His forgiveness. Lastly, one needs to make a firm resolution to distance themselves completely from the sin.
In order to atone for the sin (what you call “tikkun”), there are various approaches in the Rabbinic writings. However, it would seem that the most appropriate form in today’s world, is to strengthen oneself in the very area they failed in. That is, to strive to be holy and upright especially in the area of their intimate relations. Keeping the laws of “taharat ha’mishpacha” (if / when you are married); staying away from inappropriate media; keeping the laws of negiah etc.
On Yom Kippur you should recall your sin, and ask Hashem for forgiveness (again).
May you be blessed with only good.

What happens if we die unrepentant of serious sin?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 17, 5775

Teshuva- for taking others "off the derech"
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 30, 5775

punished for a previous incarnation
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7, 5782

Accidently Eating Treif/Chametz
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 8 Sivan 5765

Rabbi David Sperling

Rosh Hashanah
Adar II 25, 5771

Wallet on Shabbat
Adar II 24, 5771

Kashering China
Iyyar 12, 5771

1st yartziet during nissan
Adar II 9, 5771

Kashering pots and utenstils
Rabbi David Sperling | Elul 24, 5771

Keeping 1 or 2 days Yom Tov in Israel
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 23 Nisan 5766
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

No-wedding days
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 20, 5772
the hand symbol
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 21, 5782

same names
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 23, 5782

negiah with niece - level of prohibition
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 21, 5782
