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Judaism: Religion, Peace and Conflict

Jewish teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation

  • 3 things to know
  • Component Group 2

Overview

How to seek forgiveness from someone wronged, reconciliation in the Torah, Numbers 14:19–21 and Isaiah 1:18, wrongs others cannot forgive, when forgiveness is undesirable, its effect on communities, and Humanist views.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is forgiveness in Judaism?

Key term

What is reconciliation, and how does the Torah show it?

Key term

How must a Jew seek forgiveness from someone they have wronged?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is forgiveness in Judaism?

    Model answer

    Forgiveness, mechilah, is giving up the right to hold a wrong against someone who has repented. Jews are expected to forgive a person who sincerely asks.

  2. 2

    What is reconciliation, and how does the Torah show it?

    Model answer

    Reconciliation is the restoring of a relationship after conflict. Jacob and Esau embrace after years of hostility, showing that enemies can be reconciled.

  3. 3

    How must a Jew seek forgiveness from someone they have wronged?

    Model answer

    The wrongdoer must go to the injured person, admit the wrong and repair any harm. Maimonides taught that a request may be made up to three times if refused.

  4. 4

    What does Numbers 14:19–21 teach about forgiveness?

    Model answer

    Moses asks G-d to pardon the people according to the greatness of G-d's love. G-d replies, “I have pardoned, as you asked”, words recited on the eve of Yom Kippur.

  5. 5

    What does Isaiah 1:18 teach?

    Model answer

    G-d invites people to reason together, promising that sins like scarlet can become white as snow. Forgiveness is possible for anyone who truly repents.

  6. 6

    Why do many Jews believe some wrongs cannot be forgiven by others?

    Model answer

    Only the victim can forgive a wrong done to them. Simon Wiesenthal asked whether he could forgive a dying Nazi for crimes committed against others.

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