So we are now in the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom HaKiporim. These days are called the 10 days of t'shuva. T'shuva literally means "return", but there is so much more to it than that.

I've been trying to learn about t'shuva, from a book written by Rav Kook, "Orot T'shuva" but the hebrew is hard ( even for Israelis ). I was in a book store here and found a great english explanation of Rav Kooks original writings "The Art of T'shuva" ( available from Arutz 7 and Judaism.com) . I've read other translations but this is by far a better picture. It really gives a great description of t'shuva, I recommend that you get a hold of it, but in the mean time let me share some of it with you.

From the Preface:

> The magnificence of t'shuva lies in its depth. R' Kook writes that > "The foundation of t'shuva is an accounting of man's state in the > world. The roots of this accounting are higher than the accounting > itself, just as the theory of numbers is above the numbers them > selves" > > People can focus on the arena of do's and don'ts, and get bogged > down in the precepts. If this happens, the observance of the > commandments can become mechanical. One can forget to delve into > the deeper realities behind the external deeds. Because one does > not see the roots of a tree, one can forget that the roots are > keeping the tree upright. The root of Judaism is cleaving to G-d. > This is what lies at the foundation of the commandments. It is a > feeling, a vision, a life project, a joy. > > People who are only involved in the dry mechanics of Judaism > sometimes feel that life is lacking real substance and inspiration. > They want to feel close to G-d, and to experience a more spiritual > high. Not having delved into the deeper understandings of Judaism, > they do not realize that the practical mitzvot and Divine "high" > witch they are seeking actually go together. G-d is to be found in > the mitzvot themselves, and in all of the details of life. This is > the beauty of Judaism. G-d is with you every moment of your life, > in everything you do. > > Rabbi Kook teaches that this deeper understanding of Judaism can be > discovered through the wonders of t'shuva.... >

From Ch1 "The Secret Of Happiness"

> While t'shuva is normally translated as penitence or repentance, > the root of the Hebrew word t'shuva means "return." T'shuva is a > return to the source, to one's roots, to one's deepest inner self. > Rabbi Kook writes: > > "When one forgets the essence of one's soul; when one distracts his > mind from seeing the true nature of his own inner life, everything > becomes doubtful and confused. The principal t'shuva, witch > immediately lights up the darkness, is for a person to return to > himself, to the root of his soul....

I'm still working my way through it but as I read more I'll share more, and please ask questions if something isn't clear.

Link to this: 03:15