A perfect passage as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah tomorrow and we admit our failures and ask God for forgiveness. It talks about the burnt offering we give for atonement.
And Rava says: A burnt offering is a gift [doron] to God; its essential purpose is not atonement. Rava supports his assertion: What are the circumstances under which a burnt offering atones for violating a positive mitzva? If one brings a burnt offering without repentance for his transgression, he may not sacrifice it at all, as “the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination” (Proverbs 21:27). And if there is repentance, isn’t it taught in a baraita that if one violates a positive mitzva and repents, God forgives him before he even moves from his place? If so, why is he required to bring an offering? Rather, conclude from it that a burnt offering is a gift that one brings in order to appease God even after he is forgiven.
If we repent God forgives us before we even move from our place.
The best gem yet.
2,711 pages of Talmud. A gem a day. 