Q&A: Transgressions
Transgressions
Question
What is the problem with committing transgressions between a person and God during the year, since the very day of Yom Kippur atones?
Answer
First, there is a dispute about this. Second, even if the very day itself atones, there are opinions that sacrifices are also required. Third, there are several levels of atonement. If someone repented and not all the different aspects of atonement were fulfilled, his repentance still has value. And if he repented for transgressions for which one is flogged, he is flogged and does not achieve atonement without that. And nowadays, when flogging is not administered, apparently atonement is achieved even without lashes (the sages disputed this in the ordination controversy). In short, atonement is a concept under which several different meanings are encompassed. And of course there is always a chance that you will not make it to Yom Kippur.
I wish you that you do make it, and that everything will be fine. Happy New Year.
Discussion on Answer
You're right. But the Mishnah is dealing with someone who sins from the outset in order to be atoned for. But the question was not necessarily about such a person. The question was wondering why sins in general, or trying not to sin, have any significance at all.
I am puzzled why our rabbi did not answer simply with what the Mishnah says: “I will sin and Yom Kippur will atone” — Yom Kippur does not atone.