We have learned that nothing in the world withstands repentance, and G‑d surely accepts everyone who returns to Him. If one repents, the path to holiness is that is the path of true life, is opened up before him. Even though he caused a spiritual blemish, everything is mended and the blemish is rectified. For even something that was a breach of a solemn oath, G‑d accepts repentance, as written, "As I live , says G‑d, though Coniah..." (Jeremiah 22:24) and "Write this man childless." (Ibid. 30) But after he repented, it is written, "And the sons of Yeconiah: Assir..." (I Chron. 3:17) From here we conclude that repentance breaks many sentences and verdicts and many iron shackles [that bind the wicked through externalities], and that no one can stand in the way to prevent a person returning to G‑d.

In relation to that it is written, "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that rebel against Me." (Isaiah 66:24) It does not say, 'that rebelled against Me', but "rebel against Me," those who did not want to repent and regret what they have done. But when they repent, G‑d accepts them.

Therefore such a man, even though he rebelled against Him [even up to the world of Atzilut], and blemished where he must not have blemished [of the supernal sefirot], but repented before Him, He accepts him and has pity on him. For G‑d is full of compassion, and is filled with compassion for all His works, as written, "and His tender mercies are over all His works." (Ps. 145:9) His mercy reaches even animals and birds. So if His mercy reaches them, all the more so people who recognize and know how to praise their Master, when His mercy reaches them and dwells on them. Regarding this David said, "Great is Your compassion, G‑d: give me life according to your way of Justice." (Ps. 119:156)

BeRahamim LeHayyim: Why did the Ari and Chida include this section? What do they want us to learn?

"Because G‑d's right hand [of chesed] is extended to receive all those who return to Him" (Seder Hayom1 37b)

Such is the intention for these days of teshuvah/return, such is the intention for the daily prayer we say thrice daily: "G‑d, help us return to your Torah..." We are promised that if we make a move toward Him, He too will take giant steps toward us. Don't worry at all—this is a guarantee: if you do the work, it will be richly rewarded.

That said, time is short, and there is much work to do. And yes, no pain no gain. Sincerity is the key, for G‑d desires the heart—your heart.

What does the above mean to you concerning YOUR Teshuvah/return, and why is it being revealed to you right now?

Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
Copyright 2003 by KabbalaOnline.org, a project of Ascent of Safed (//ascentofsafed.com). All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this work or portions thereof, in any form, unless with permission, in writing, from Kabbala Online.