Episode
Repairing the Damage We Caused [Day 171 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Repentance 28]
- Published
- Jul 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1986
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Summary
In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance ( Shaar HaTeshuvah ), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains that teshuvah is not merely feeling regret—it requires repairing the specific damage caused by our actions. A synagogue must be treated as a place of awe, dignity, and focused connection with Hashem. At the same time, wise leadership means understanding people and creating the right environment for meaningful prayer. Rabbi Wolbe shares the example of a congregation that held Kiddush before Friday-night services so members could socialize first and then enter the synagogue ready to pray with full attention and energy. The lesson then turns to sins involving other people. Someone who steals must return what was taken and seek forgiveness. Someone who charged prohibited interest can repair the wrongdoing by lending money without interest. A person who damaged another’s livelihood or reputation must actively work to restore what was lost. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that Judaism does not ask us to deny our flaws. Instead, we must redirect the very traits that caused harm and use them for good. Anger can become passion against injustice, wealth can become generosity, and past selfishness can be transformed into acts of kindness and service. Special attention is given to the devastating power of harmful speech. Lashon hara, public embarrassment, cruel nicknames, verbal abuse, and painful remarks can leave wounds that do not disappear with a simple apology. Sins between people are not forgiven through prayer alone, and even Yom Kippur cannot atone until the person who was harmed is approached sincerely. If the injury was public, the apology may also need to be public. Rabbi Wolbe reminds us that kindness begins at home: a person cannot neglect a spouse or children while presenting themselve…