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From
<a href="http://revach.net/article.php?id=1061" eudora="autourl">
http://revach.net/article.php?id=1061</a><br><br>
<font size=3>The Rambam says that real teshuva means that Hashem, who
knows the secrets of your heart, must testify that you will never return
to the aveira again. That is a tall order! Most people would not even be
comfortable testifying on themselves. How can we do teshuva if it
requires a 100% guarantee on the future? <br><br>
Reb Yisroel Salanter answers with a question on this Rambam. He asks why
does he say, Hashem "who knows what is hidden in the heart".
Shouldn't it say "who knows the future." Therefore he explains
that the requirement of the Rambam is that a person must resolve honestly
in the depths of his heart that will never do the aveira again. If he
makes an honest resolution and really believes that he is so disgusted by
the aveira that there is absolutely no possibility for him to slip yet
again his teshuva is accepted. Even if he reverts to his old ways it does
not negate the teshuva that he has done. That is why the Rambam says you
need the testimony of Hashem who knows what thoughts lie in the heart of
every man. <br>
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