[2:4] The path of repentance is for the repentant to constantly cry out in prayer to God, weeping and pleading to forgive his sins, and to give charity according to his ability, and to stay as far away as possible from the situation that caused him to sin. Also, to figuratively change his name, as if to say, "I am a different person and not the same one that sinned." Also to change his behavior, doing good and following the path of the righteous, and to change his address. Exile atones for sin because it makes a person submissive and humble.

[2:5] As explained before, there are sins between people, and sins between man and his creator. Regarding sins between people⁴, it is highly commendable for the repentant to confess his sins before a group of people, and to reveal the transgressions he committed against others. He should say, "I have sinned against so-and-so, committing the following wrongful acts ... I repent and express my regret." If, out of pride, one hides his sins, not revealing them, he will not have completed his repentance, as it is written, "He who covers up his faults will not succeed." (Proverbs 28:13).

Regarding sins between man and his Creator, one should not reveal these transgressions. To reveal these sins is an act of impudence. Rather, he should repent before God, specifying his sins. Publicly, he should make a general confession⁵ He is also blessed if he does not to reveal his sins, for it is written, "Happy is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered over." (Psalms 32:1).

[2:6] Although repentance and prayer are welcome at all times, they are even more desirable during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. During this period, repentance is accepted immediately, as it is written, "Seek God (at a time) when He can be found." (Yeshayahu 55:6). However, when a community repents at any time, crying out from the depth of their hearts, they are answered immediately, as it is written, "What nation is so great that they have God close to it, as the Lord our God is, whenever we call Him." (Deuteronomy 4:7).

[2:7] Yom Kippur is a time of repentance for all, both for individuals and communities. It is a deadline for forgiveness and atonement for Israel. Therefore, everyone is required to repent and confess on Yom Kippur. The mitzvah of confession on Yom Kippur⁶ begins before the start of Yom Kippur, before one

4    Regarding sins between people he should confess his sin before others, even if they are not aware of his sin. Regarding sins between man and his Creator, he must not confess his sin before others even if they are aware of his sin. This is referring to telling how he committed the sin. General public confession is printed in our prayer books. These sins should be confidential and one should feel embarrassed to confess them before others even if they are aware of the sin. On the other hand, sins between people are not so confidential because one must appease the one who he wronged by paying for the loses that he caused him, and by asking his forgiveness even if he must do so in public. Therefore, he may confess his sin before a group and repent.

5    As is printed in the Yom Kippur prayer books.

6    There is no commandment to repent on Yom Kippur. There is a general commandment to repent, and as long as he is able to repent he does not violate this

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