Repent

        When a Christian tells a Jew, "You need to repent," the Jew immediately thinks, "I need to return to the ways of Elohim as prescribed in Torah; I need to return the Promised Land and enjoy the inheritance that Elohim has endowed my people."

        If a Jew was to tell a Christian, "You need to repent," the Christian immediately thinks, "I'm a sinner. I need to change my way of thinking and feelings towards G-d; however, I hope this Jew doesn't think I need to convert to his religion."

        Why the difference?

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        Though both groups use the exact same word, this one word mean two totally different things! Could there ever be a resolve to the existing difference? Only if both groups hold true to the same definition of the term of repentance, and both sides are not willing to give up the grasp on their views.

see the difference?

Among Jews

Among Christians

Chabad's Website explains, "Commonly translated as repentance, teshuvah literally means return. Teshuvah is the soul's capacity is return to its original state, to its pristine core" (Web 2013). But, to whom, what or where are we to return to? Provided that teshuvah is a return, then Israel tends to return to the way of living as established in Torah by the Heavenly Father to his people.

        So, what's the difference?  Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson Shlita reasoned, "The conventional translation of teshuvah as repentance restricts its conception to one shared by Western society as a whole. The literal translation of teshuvah - and the conception expressed in our divine service - is "return". A comparison of  the meaning of these two terms through the eyes of the Jewish tradition reflects  a radical contrast that sheds light on many aspects of our relationship with  G-d" (Sichos 2013).

        Unlike the more common Western Perspective where the children of Israel want to tell people what to do and how to do it, the common attitude that we have is contrary. Chabad explains, "We can’t tell you how to feel regret or resolve; it’s just something that happens inside. But we can give you a few tips on how to clean up the mess a mess-up leaves in its trail. You see, that teshuvah feeling inside actually empowers you to clean up the mess" (Web 2013).

        Thus among Jews, repentance is about returning to Elohim's Covenant as prescribed in Torah as well as to the land of Israel.

Bibliography
1. Schneerson Shlita, Menachem M., Rebbe. "Timeless Patterns In Time: Teshuvah - Return, Not Repentance." Timeless Patterns In Time: Teshuvah - Return, Not Repentance. Sichos in English, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

2. "Teshuvah: The Art of Return." Chabbad.org. Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

3. "Teshuvah: Repentance." Chabbad.org. Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

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Jack Zevada, Bible Commentator and writer, explains that  "repentance means a sincere turning away, in both the mind and heart, from self to God" (Web 2013). This definition implies that repentance depends on two things: a person's way of thinking within his mind and feeling within his heart both leads a personal relationship with God.

        Don Stewart, Bible Commentator on "The Bible Explorer," explains on Blueletterbible the reason why most Christians perceive repentance in this manner:

        There are two different Greek verbs translated repent in the New Testament. One means a regret of past actions. Judas regretted that he betrayed Jesus, but did not have a change of heart toward God. The other word translated repent means a change of mind, or attitude. It refers to a complete change about. [...] Repentance is a complete shift of attitude toward God and our sins (Stewart 2013).

        Provided that repentance depends on a person's way of thinking and feeling, then Zevada continues to add, "Repentance (i.e., change of attitude) is an essential part of salvation (i.e., going to heaven), requiring a turning away from the sin-ruled life to a life characterized by obedience to God. The Holy Spirit leads a person to repent, but repentance (i.e., change in attitude) itself cannot be seen as a "good work" that adds to our salvation" (Zevada 2013).

        Hence, repentance among Christians is about changing the person's way of thinking and feeling towards G-d with the intent purpose of spending eternity in heaven.


Bibliography
1. Stewart, Don. "Sponsors." Blue Letter Bible. The Bible Explorer, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

2. Zevada, Jack. "Repentance." About.com Christianity. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

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