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How can the Rambam (רמב"ם) require teshuvah gemurah where one never returns to sin, when even tzadikim retain free choice? The Mabit's question resolves through understanding that repeated sins become part of one's identity, as the Gemara (גמרא) teaches about 'aveirah ve-shanavah.' True teshuvah uproots sin from one's essential being, allowing a fresh start with full choice rather than being trapped by past patterns.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question raised by the Mabit in Beit Yosef regarding the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s definition of teshuvah gemurah (complete repentance). The Rambam states that complete repentance requires reaching a level where God Himself testifies that the person will never return to that sin again. The Mabit's difficulty is apparent: how can this be possible when even a perfect tzaddik retains free choice to sin? The resolution lies in understanding what "never returning" truly means. The shiur explores the Gemara (גמרא)'s teaching about "aveirah ve-shanavah" - when someone commits a sin and repeats it, it becomes "na'asas lo k'heter" (as if permitted to him). Rashi (רש"י) explains that after repeated transgressions, the person becomes so accustomed to the sin that it loses its severity in his mind. The yetzer hara exploits this by arguing: "This is who you are - you've done this before, so do it again."
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Rambam Hilchos Teshuvah
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