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In this class, Rabbi Bernath reframed the very idea of confession in Judaism. While most people think of confession as listing sins and failures, the Torah introduces Vidui Ma’aser, a “confession” where the farmer proudly declares to G-d that he has fulfilled every detail of the mitzvah of tithing. Why would the Torah call this a confession? Because true spiritual growth begins not by beating ourselves down, but by acknowledging the good we’ve done. When we confess our strengths, we build the confidence and clarity to face our shortcomings without despair.

Confession, then, isn’t meant to break us, it’s meant to fix us. It’s not about shame; it’s about uncovering the truth that we are divine souls who sometimes fall short but are always capable of rising higher. By celebrating our goodness first, we create the spiritual courage to transform our failures into growth.

Key Takeaways

• Confession in Judaism isn’t only about failure: The Torah’s “tithing confession” is actually a declaration of success.
• Celebrate your victories: By verbalizing what you’ve done right, you strengthen your belief in your own holiness and capacity.
• Healthy confession = owning both sides: “I am good and capable, and that’s why this mistake doesn’t fit me, and I can do better.”
• Encouragement inspires growth: Just as children thrive when parents highlight strengths before weaknesses, we too change more when we see ourselves through the lens of goodness.
• Chassidic joy in confession: Like the Baal Shem Tov’s cantor, we can sing our confessions, not out of arrogance or denial, but because cleansing the soul is a joyful act of uncovering diamonds beneath the dirt.
• Confession challenge: In the next 24 hours, “confess” something good you’ve done, out loud, to yourself or someone you trust. Let it remind you who you really are.

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