Ask the Rabbi
- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Emuna - Jewish Thought
- Basics of Jewish Faith
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I did not grow up religious but have been reading about Halacha. I am and will knowingly do wrong things including: letting/causing others to do wrong, having a not Jewish boyfriend and having relations, publicly shaming government officials/influencial figures, gossip, not following Torah laws that i know of, etc. will I go to gehennom eternal?
Best,
Answer
You ask a very important and common question. The answer is that you can solve your worries very easily by deciding to sincerely improve and simply change your ways in the future. Judaism teaches that we can all do Teshuva whenever we want, just that this resolve must be totally truthful. For example, if you leave your non-Jewish boyfriend, and decide to only date and marry Jewish boys, the Torah teaches that your wrongdoing is totally erased! This is a very basic teaching in Judaism, and is definitely doable, but it takes idealism and strong-will, but is surely worth it! It will probably be the best decision you ever make! All the best!

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Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Delaying aliya for career and studies
Adar II 25, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit 2
Adar I 23, 5771

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771





