Breaking The Jewish Code Perry Stone

The first part of Teshuvah deals with personal repentance toward God and man. The final ten days, which begin on the first day of Tishri, the Jewish New Year, point the people to a time of national repentance. If each individual repents, then the entire nation is prepared to face God on the Day of Atonement (on Tishri 10) and receive a clear verdict of “forgiven.” The ten days from Tishri 1 to Tishri 10, called the Days of Awe , begin with the New Year (Feast of Trumpets) and conclude with the Day of Atonement. Thus, the fortieth day of Teshuvah concludes on the Day of Atonement, when God has sealed the decisions for His people for the coming year. It is believed that during these ten days, the gates of heaven are opened to hear the petitions and prayers of the people. It is taught that there are three groups to be examined by the Lord —the totally righteous, the totally unrighteous, and those who are neither righteous nor unrighteous but are living somewhere in between. Based upon prayers of repentance (and forgiving others), God’s mercy is manifest on the Day of Atonement and sins are remitted.1 Some Christians point out, and rightfully so, that we should not wait for a special season to repent of sin. This is correct, and a believer should not even go to bed at night until he corrects his errors or repents of any wrongdoing (Eph. 4:26). However, churches often need a set time when the entire body comes together for a season of reflection, repentance, and cleansing, removing old attitudes and initiating a fresh start. Teshuvah provides a set time on God’s calendar for drawing nearer to God, forgiving others, and seeking His favor. Torah observant Jews also believe a person should repent if he or she