Shalom and thank you for turning to us. The discussion you had was a very important one and raises the point of what Teshuvah is really about, as well as what Shabbat is really about.
Teshuvah is often translated as ‘repentance’, but this can be misleading. The Hebrew word תשובה ‘Teshuvah’ contains within it the word תשוב – return – and ה – the Hebrew letter ‘Hei’ which represents ‘HaShem’ – one of the ways we refer to G-d. Thus Teshuvah means – return to G-d, or – return the ‘Hei’. In this latter context we must explain the Tetragrammaton, a name which indicates G-d’s transcendental aspect. The spiritual ‘anatomy’ of this name is explained in the book of Tanya, Igeres haTeshuvah Chapter 4. The Tanya, a basic text of Chassidic teaching by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, bases this teaching on the Zohar – a basic text of Kabbalistic teaching.
“Teshuvah is ‘tashuv hei’, returning the (Hebrew letter) ‘hei’ .”
Where are we returning the ‘hei’ to? To the transcendental name of G-d. The Tanya continues:
“…the latter ‘hei’ is teshuvah tata’a – lower teshuva; the upper ‘hei’ is teshuvah ila’a, higher teshuvah.”
If we investigate this spiritual ‘anatomy’ further, the Hebrew name of G-d that we have referred to as the transcendental name, is comprised of the following letters;
י = yud
ה = hei
ו = vav
and
ה = hei.
The first three letters have to do with higher spiritual realms of G-dliness, while the final ‘hei’ has to do with G-dliness as it is enclothed and manifest in the physical world. G-dliness is here in this world but not apparent to most created beings. We have the potential to sin in order to use our free choice wisely to carry out G-d’s commandments and thus fulfill the purpose of creation. When we sin, all is not yet lost. We have the gift of Teshuvah, through which we return to G-d and return the ‘lower hei’ – the aspect of G-dliness that is enclothed in physicality, to reconnect as it were to it’s spiritual counterpart, the first three letters of the transcendental name of G-d. (Everything is actually a part of G-d but from our perspective there are different levels of revelation.) In effect this means that we are rectifying and elevating physicality.
How do we actually perform ‘Teshuvah Tata’a’ – lower teshuvah? The three step process is outlined in the Jewish Code of Law. The first step is to confess – acknowledge – one’s wrongdoing. The second step is to regret it sincerely, and the third step is to abandon the negative action. (All of this can actually happen in a very short time span. It is said that the Messiah will come when every Jew has experienced a ‘hirhur Teshuvah’ – a THOUGHT of Teshuvah.)
This lower Teshuvah is the one that we do not practice on Shabbat.
What is Shabbat? Shabbat is a time when all of creation becomes spiritually elevated, even though we are not necessarily aware of it. It is a taste of the World to Come. Shabbat is the day we leave behind our weekday concerns, and occupy ourselves with G-dliness in a more direct manner. It is not that working for a living is not a spiritual thing to do, or shopping and cooking and cleaning. All these activities are G-dly activities when performed for the right reason and according to G-d’s commandments. The tithe we take from our earnings for example, elevates all our efforts in making a living to a high spiritual level. Being honest and being careful with the laws of interest are more examples of how the mundane becomes spiritual. But Shabbat is different. On Shabbat we acknowledge our Creator by letting go of our ‘control’ of the natural world and devoting ourselves to prayer and study – basking in the glory of G-d. Thus we do not mourn the dead on Shabbat, and we do not make an account of our sins and confess them.
Teshuvah Ila’a – higher Teshuvah, means cleaving to G-d. This can be achieved by occupying ourselves with spiritual pursuits like studying Torah and praying – with joy! Shabbat is thus an opportune time for Teshuvah Ila’a, an inately suitable time! In fact, the Hebrew letters of the word Teshuvah- תשובה, contain the letters of the word Shabbat – שבת. If you turn around the letters it can be read as ‘v’Shavta’ – and you shall return! So both sides of in your discussion had an important part of the answer:)!
It must be pointed out that the best time to return to G-d is always right now! Certainly we do not have to refrain from it on Shabbat.
Wishing all of us many happy returns!
