Episode
Elul 18 - No One Is Too Far to Return
- Published
- Sep 4, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 255
- Processing state
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- https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8b37f22
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Summary
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the Torah’s description of an unnamed mitzvah that is “very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart.” Following the Ramban, he explains that this refers to Teshuvah . Repentance is not reserved for unusually righteous people, nor can a person become too distant for Hashem to want him back. Whatever someone’s history, mistakes, or background, the path of return remains open. The extraordinary accessibility of Teshuvah is part of its beauty. A Jew does not need an intermediary to obtain forgiveness. There is no magical formula and no other person who must atone on our behalf. We speak directly to Hashem. The Torah describes Teshuvah as being “in your mouth and in your heart”: use your words, awaken your heart, acknowledge what needs to change, and restore the relationship with the Creator who is waiting to hear from you. Rabbi Wolbe then shares a Hasidic insight into the word “zot” —“this”—whose numerical value is 408. In the High Holiday prayers, three forces are identified as having the power to remove an evil decree: Teshuvah, Tefillah, and Tzedakah —repentance, prayer, and charity. The traditional words associated with them—fasting, voice, and money—also total 408. Together they provide a practical model for change: stop the behavior that distances us from Hashem, raise our voice in sincere prayer, and give generously of what we have. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin This Episode is dedicated in Honor of Moshe Witto Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 5, 2023, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on September 6, 2025 _____________ Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-insp…