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What creates real change in teshuvah — our actions or our decisions? Two Mishnayot in Avos present different approaches to avoiding sin, revealing that the essence of change occurs at the moment of commitment. The shiur explores why Jews get credit for good thoughts while being judged only on evil actions — and why the opposite applies to non-Jews.
The shiur begins by examining an apparent contradiction between two Mishnayot in Pirkei Avos. Akavia ben Mahalal (Avos 3:1) teaches that to avoid sin, one should contemplate three things: where you came from (spoiled seed), where you're going (dirt and worms), and to whom you'll give an accounting (Hashem (ה׳)). Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi (Avos 2:1) offers a different approach: know what is above you — an eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your actions being recorded. Rabbi Zweig explores the fundamental question of what constitutes the essence of a person and when real change occurs. Using the concept of teshuvah as a starting point, he demonstrates that genuine change happens at the moment of decision or commitment, not when actions are performed. This is evident from the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s teaching that a baal teshuvah becomes a completely new person the moment he decides to change, even before implementing any actions.
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Avos 2:1, 3:1
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