To Jewish people, how do you atone for your sins?

Question

I think the jews are God's chosen people and through them has brought salvation. But I've always wondered since the animal sacrifices have ceased, how do you atone for your sins? Doesn't the bible say (old test) that a blood sacrifice is the only way? We Christians say Jesus died for our sins, what say you?
Thanks, †

Answer 1

Animal Sacrifice was for unintentional sin, never for intentional sin. The Torah never says sacrifice is the only way on the contrary it is full of tales explaining various ways. And we repent the same way we always have.
Acknowledge what we did, express regret, ask for forgiveness and try our best not to do it again.

Answer 2

A couple of ways...

First, as you say, in Biblical times, we did atone for our sins using animal sacrifices. But since the destruction of the second Temple (70 CE) this is no longer true. So, in the Rabbinic period, the (very smart!) Rabbis discussed this and sacrifices of all kinds were replaced with prayer. In the times of the Bible, sacrifices were done three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) and that is why some very traditional Jews still pray three times a day.

In addition, we have the holiday of Yom Kippur, which is the "day of attonment." Yom Kippur falls 10 days after Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year. It is a fast day, where you cannot eat or drink anything for 25 hours and spend most of the day at your synagogue praying and studying Torah. But our Rabbis and sages teach that just praying and studying isn't enough. We are also required to repent by apologizing to those whom we have hurt. Last, we can atone through giving charity and doing deeds of loving kindness.

The concept behind atoning for sins at Yom Kippur is called "t'shuvah" in Hebrew. It means more than just saying you're sorry, but also requires us to pledge to do better in the coming year.

While Yom Kippur is a somber day, I do like the ideas behind it. It requires us to actually do something to atone for those things we've done wrong - whether between myself and another person, or between myself and God.

That's it at a high level. Hope this answers your question.

Answer 3

I just read your question and all the answers given. I am a Catholic so can't give you a real decent answer. I have a Jewish friend. He has told me that he has certain prayers that he is to say to YHVH to ask Him for forgiveness and he talks with his rabbi about his sins is he finds himself continually facing the same temptations. And he fasts for 48 hours. Only consumes a little water.

I have gone to a Jewish website many times when I have a question about Judaism. It's www.askmoses.com You type in your question and you end up instant messaging with a rabbi. Very interesting and you get the real answers. The answers you've gotten so far here haven't answered you. And many are rude. I don't think you ask anything wrong. You didn't make fun of Jews or condemn them. You merely asked how they ask G-d for forgiveness since they no longer make animal sacrifices. I've been in this section often and many people are rude here. Just ignore them!

This is all I know, from what my friend has told me. But check out that website if you want a direct answer from a real rabbi. There are very nice and like helping out Christians with questions. They are our decendents.

Answer 4

I'm glad you asked this question, and i wrote down the two websites suggested by others so i can refernce them. I really don't have any knowledge to offer on this particular issue but i just think it's so sad that one person thought you were "attacking" Jews. It's so clear (to me at least) that you were being polite and are simply curious about this. You even prefaced your question by honoring the Jews. That guy is all bent out of shape for nothing--that poor man!!!

Answer 5

Actually, the bible states that while the blood sacrifice is one method of atonement, there are others.

see the following for a mroe in-depth discussion:

http://outreachjudaism.org/response.html

Answer 6

This is to add to the original post (Do Not Choose Me as The Best POST):

Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

This means that Good Deeds are not enough and never will be.

Answer 7

wow a christian attacking the jews and yet christianity comes from the jews how loving you are dear maybe next time you can attack me for being a spiritual pagan huh? or maybe you can take your bible hating and go attack a few homosexuals while your at it. this is all i ever see from you christians is hate this and hate that GROW UP AND GET OVER YOUR SELF!

Answer 8

By doing good deeds and a lot of prayer.

Answer 9

OMG! Somebody remove that third answer. That's horrible.

Answer 10

the men already have! come on, they got sliced, didn't they! wha else do ya want