עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Fixing the Punishment of Karet, How?
Question
Hello, I understand that the punishment for engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage and without immersion is karet for both the man and the woman. What should the man and/or woman do in order to correct this flaw and return to the path of Hashem—the straight way—beyond the overwhelming feeling of remorse that fills them? Would fasting be beneficial in this case? Thank you.
Answer
Hello and blessings,
After a complete repentance for this act and similar ones, which includes remorse, confession, and a strong commitment for the future to avoid such temptations, it is advisable to perform the relatively easy correction as suggested by the great Arizal, as written in his writings [Sha'ar Ruach HaKodesh]:
"Whoever stays awake all night, and does not sleep at all, and engages in Torah study the entire night, will be dismissed from one punishment of karet, if he were to be liable, God forbid, and every one night saves from one karet".
Additionally, in the book Mishnat Chasidim [Masechet Teshuva - Chapter 6], a condition was added to this correction:
"The correction requires that he be awake the entire night, without sleeping, but instead engage in Torah until dawn, and on every night he does so, he will be saved from one karet, provided that he learns that night about the matter of the transgression for which he is liable to karet".
Therefore, it is advisable and preferable for him to act accordingly, [in addition to maintaining a strong commitment from now on], and on that night to study Torah regarding the selection of the Jewish people from among the nations, in the first part of the Book of Exodus until after the giving of the Torah, as much as he is able and can manage. And in the morning watch, he should read from the Book of Tehillim, as recommended in the book Noda B'Yehuda regarding a similar matter:
"He should be very attached to the songs and praises of King David, peace be upon him, for this greatly stirs the heart to love the Creator, blessed be He".
And if he wishes, he can participate in the general corrections being conducted on this matter for all of Israel, at the Yeshivot of Kabbalists [Sha'ar HaShamayim, Rabbi Batzri, Rabbi Hillel, and others] in Jerusalem on Thursday afternoons during these weeks until the week of the portion of Mishpatim.
Wishing success - Menashe Israel
