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Why do we resist doing teshuva (תשובה) so strongly? The Midrash reveals that Adam refused God's invitation to repent due to arrogance - he thought teshuva meant groveling for forgiveness. From Kayin's experience, Adam learned that teshuva isn't begging but earning entitlement through genuine transformation into a new person.
Rabbi Zweig explores the profound psychological and spiritual barriers to teshuva (תשובה) by examining two seemingly contradictory Midrashim about Adam HaRishon's understanding of repentance. The first Midrash states that when God invited Adam to repent after eating from the Tree of Knowledge, Adam refused due to arrogance ("geus Adam tashpilenu"). However, a second Midrash describes Adam learning about teshuva from Kayin, claiming "I didn't know teshuva works," and then immediately reciting "Mizmor Shir L'Yom HaShabbos." The shiur resolves this contradiction by distinguishing between two fundamentally different conceptions of teshuva. Most people, like Adam initially, view teshuva as groveling - an embarrassing process of begging God for forgiveness, which naturally triggers resistance due to human pride and shame. This understanding makes teshuva feel like becoming a beggar, which explains our reluctance to engage in the process despite knowing its importance.
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Parshas Nitzavim - Devarim 30:11-14
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What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
