The Ten Days of Repentance: What Should We Actually Be Doing?

The Ten Days of Repentance can pass almost without us noticing. Daily life does not stop, and preparations for Sukkot are already underway. Yet within these precious days lies an opportunity unlike any other time of year.

The Rambam writes:

“Even though repentance and crying out are always good, during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur they are especially good and are accepted immediately, as it is said: ‘Seek Hashem when He may be found; call upon Him when He is near’” (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:6).

The word “immediately” gives these words particular power. Hashem is always near, and teshuvah is always possible. But during the Ten Days of Repentance, we are given a unique opportunity to turn to Him, pray, and return.

Even Imperfect Teshuvah Has Power

The Mabit offers encouragement to anyone who worries that they will not be able to make a perfect or lasting change.

In his Beit Elokim, he explains that teshuvah is always effective, but from Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippur, it is even more readily accepted, “even if it is not such complete repentance” (Shaar HaTeshuvah, chapter 15).

We do not need to wait until we feel capable of transforming everything. These days invite us to begin.

Rabbeinu Yonah writes in Shaarei Teshuvah that during this period, a person should reduce their business activities, set aside time for reflection, examine their ways, pray, and pour out their heart before their Creator. He adds that “this is a time of favor, and prayer is heard then” (Shaarei Teshuvah 2:14).

In the reality of our busy lives, we can put his words into practice simply by setting aside regular moments for prayer, reflection, and taking stock of ourselves. We should not allow these precious days to disappear into the usual rush without giving our souls even a few minutes of attention.

In a quiet moment, ask yourself: What would I like to take with me into the new year? What is it time to leave behind? In what area could I become a little better?

Even ten quiet minutes of honest self-reflection and prayer can be meaningful.

The Gates Are Open

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ha’azinu 4) describes these days as a time when Hashem awaits the teshuvah of the Jewish people:

“For the gates of Heaven are open, and I will hear your prayer.”

Hashem watches, listens, and waits for us to turn to Him.

The Pesikta Rabbati (section 40) similarly describes the extraordinary potential for renewal during these days. Hashem says to the Jewish people:

“Repent during these ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and I will grant you merit on Yom Kippur and create you anew.”

Sometimes we imagine that meaningful change requires reaching an exceptionally high spiritual level. Yet the Pesikta Rabbati (Supplement 1:3) teaches that during the Ten Days of Repentance, “even if an individual repents, their repentance is accepted as the repentance of a community.”

A few minutes before the workday begins, on the way home, while shopping, or at the end of a busy day can become an opportunity for prayer and self-reflection. It does not have to be dramatic, and no one else needs to know about it.

Choose One Step You Can Keep

Instead of making a long list of everything that needs fixing, choose one practical action:

✓ Say one prayer slowly and with intention.

✓ Choose one negative trait, such as anger or jealousy, and make a focused effort to work on it.

✓ Add one mitzvah to your life, and decide specifically when and how you will fulfill it.

✓ Establish a regular act of kindness, even something small, once a day or once a week.

✓ Set aside regular time for learning and self-reflection.

The action does not have to be big. What matters is that it is specific and suited to our abilities. A small commitment that we actually keep can be more meaningful than an enormous resolution forgotten the following day.

The Pesikta also reminds us of the importance of making peace with others and forgiving one another. Sometimes the path toward inner peace begins with a message, a reconciliatory conversation, giving up the need to have the last word, or simply being willing to say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

Come as You Are

The Ten Days of Repentance do not ask us to arrive at Yom Kippur perfect. They invite us to arrive already moving in the right direction, with sincere prayer and at least one practical step toward change.

“Seek Hashem when He may be found; call upon Him when He is near.”

These words are a personal invitation to each of us. Do not wait until you have fixed everything. Come as you are, from wherever you are, and do today what you are capable of doing.

The gates are open, and prayer is heard. You do not have to change everything in a single day. Begin with one sincere step.