[magritte]

Hey CC...sorry for the delay...full evening of kid-related activity...

Sin is "turning away" from G-d...small transgressions against others can be fixed by doing teshuvah or "return" to G-d....here's the straight forward way from Maimonides on how to do it...

Step 1: Stop.

Stop whatever destructive action you are engaged in.If, for example, you are losing your temper with others, stop.

Step 2: Regret.

You should indeed feel regret for your error. It's wrong to lose your temper as you are likely to hurt others in doing so.You should be sorry for the harm you caused.

Step 3: Verbalize.

Explain your regret out loud to God. This doesn't have to be done at synagogue, and it doesn't have to be in Hebrew. Talk to God in at least an audible whisper, not just in your head; of course, God knows already, but you need to hear it.Tell Him that you are sorry for whatever you did wrong.If your actions harmed other people then you have to make amends. After losing your temper, you must go to your friend and ask his forgiveness.

Step 4: Make a Plan.

How can you be sure that the mistake won't happen again? Make a practical plan of action. If you know that certain subjects are sources of conflict between you and your friend, perhaps make a pact to avoid those subjects for the sake of peace.

Once you've completed these, God accepts your return...no intercessors needed

Sins against G-d are different...it takes prayer and true repentance and a true desire to get back on the path..only G-d can forgive these sins...

The penalty for sin is the distance between us and our fellow men, and us and G-d...there's no physical hell or "afterdeath" penalties...

I'm no scholar, just a Righteous Gentile who recently found the right path...and I learn more everyday about how great life truly is ...magritte

[colorcountry]

Thank you very much.

Very interesting.

[reaganaut]

Once you’ve completed these, God accepts your return...no intercessors needed

- - - - -
Then what was the point of blood sacrifice?

[Elsie]

I'm no scholar, just a Righteous Gentile who recently found the right path

HMmmm..