Q&A: Atonement
Atonement
Question
If right now there were a Hamas terrorist who had taken part in the October 7 massacre and in the war in Gaza, and he suddenly came to his senses, felt very deep guilt and remorse, and genuinely wanted to atone for what he had done—do you think he could? What actions would he need to take? For how long?
Answer
Why not? How is he different from any other sinner? I didn’t understand the question.
I also don’t understand what kind of answer you’re expecting about which actions and for how long. Are you waiting for an answer like: he has to give ten shekels of charity to three people for two weeks? Are you serious? Let him repent, and that’s all. What will atone for him in the heavenly court? I assume that if he truly repents, he will be atoned for. But it would be best to ask the Holy One, blessed be He. That’s His mandate, not mine.