How to Rectify a Breach of the Covenant?

Hello,

First, one must engage in complete repentance for the sin, which includes remorse for the sin, verbal confession (as detailed below), and a commitment for the future not to return to this sin ever again (Rambam Laws of Repentance, Chapter 2, Law 2).

The verbal confession means one should say, "Please, Hashem, I have sinned, I have transgressed, I have acted in this manner; I am remorseful and ashamed of my actions, and I will never return to this behavior." (Rambam, ibid., Chapter 1, Law 1).

In order for the rectification to be complete, one should accept upon themselves, without a vow, to increase their study of Torah every day—more than they were accustomed to until now.

Sources: Refer to the book Tanya (Letter of Repentance, Chapter 9), where it is written that a breach of the covenant, either through emission of semen or, needless to say, through illicit relations or other prohibitions, adversely affects one’s intellect; therefore, its rectification is to engage in Torah study that stems from wisdom. This is expressed in the Tanna Devei Eliyahu (A.H., I cannot find it now, but it appears in Vayikra Rabbah, Perasha 25, Paragraph 1) that if a person transgresses a sin and is liable for death, what should they do to live? If they were accustomed to reading one page, they should read two pages; if they learned one chapter, they should learn two chapters, etc. This is akin to a rope that was cut, which one ties back together, where the knot is doubled and reinforced. And so it is with the rope of his inheritance, etc. (see there).

Additionally, see Responsa of the Maharshal (Part 1, end of Section 58) which proved from the Zohar, Ruth (Paragraph 12), that repentance for this transgression is effective when combined with Torah study, and from this it is evident that what is written in the Zohar (Parashat Vayechi) that repentance is not effective for this sin, is specifically without Torah study. And it is also explained in Responsa of Yabia Omer (Part 1, Yoreh De'ah, Section 14, Letter 14) and in the book Hazon Ovadia, Yamin Noraim (Page 218).

Moreover, see the book Keter Rosh (Paragraph 123) in the name of the Gaon of Vilna, zt"l, Aglei Tal (in the introduction, Paragraph 1), Mishnah Berurah (Section 560, Paragraph 3), and what is written regarding this in Responsa of Adret Tiferet (Part 3, Section 56). Likewise, see Responsa of Igrot Moshe (Part 4, Orach Chaim, Section 116) and Part 6 (Section 40) regarding the procedure for repentance for the sin of [illicit] relations.

Blessings,

Hillel Meirs