* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
What is the force that drives the world, propelling it forward? Teshuvah or the process of return.
In our Torah portion, Moshe describes how, from the depths of exile, sin, and failure, the people of Israel will awaken and return to their God. Seven times, the root shuv (ש.ו.ב), meaning “to return,” appears in this portion—again and again and again. Seven stages of progress in a long journey. One step, and then another. The Torah does not portray repentance as “a quick fix,” but rather as a complex process of growth and repair, unfolding across all of human history.
When we speak of Teshuvah we are really speaking about the force that propels the world forward, that does not allow it to stand still and wither. It is the force behind the processes of development and growth in nature, in society, and in the soul.
Every movement forward and upward, every small improvement, every repair, every renewal — all are part of this great movement, this overarching principle that governs the world.
Elul and Tishrei are months of Teshuvah. As we approach the new year, we encounter this force in its full power and are asked a simple question:
Will we join forces with it?
