Teshuvah means returning to our best selves and to the Divine. According to Maimonides (R' Moses ben Maimon, 1135 – 1204) the way to practice Teshuvah for wrongful behavior is as follows:

1. Ceasing the behavior in question;

2. Regret;

3. Confession;

4. Resolution to act differently in the future.

Confessing our wrongdoings is certainly important and worthwhile, and it plays a central role in the Yom Kippur prayer services. But to focus only on our wrongdoings is to risk losing sight of who we really are. 

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865 – 1935) therefore suggests an additional practice in Ein Ayah (The Falcon's Eye), his commentary on sections of the Talmud.

His suggestion, of articulating our positive deeds, has inspired Rabbi Avi Weiss to create a positive confession or vidui, which is presented below.

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How might you adapt it to reflect your own needs this Yom Kippur?

What do you want or need to acknowledge, thank and praise yourself for at this time?

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