Learning and Teaching Center (Old)

Louis Newman, John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Professor of Religious Studies; Chair of Religion, Director of Judaic Studies

Introduction by Shelby Boardman, Dean of the College

"Most ethicists deal with the sorts of issues that garner lots of public attention: abortion, end-of-life care, war, and the like. But for most of us, moral life is lived in the day-to-day decisions we make in relation to friends, colleagues and family members. In that context, arguably our greatest moral challenge is to recognize our moral failings and repent for them. Within the Jewish ethical tradition, concepts of repentance are framed by three separate relationships: one's relationship with God, with those harmed by our misdeeds, and with ourselves. In this talk I will explore some key classical Jewish texts that address these religious, moral and psychological dimensions of repentance."