Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour

The Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Maimonides, Spain-Egypt, 1135-1204) begins the seventh chapter of Hilchot Teshuva (listen to audio for precise citation) by emphasizing the importance and value of Teshuva (repentance). Having established in the previous chapter the philosophical basis of the doctrine of free will, that God does not interfere with man's decision to act properly or sinfully, Maimonides now writes that one must exercise his free will by repenting from his misdeeds. A person has the ability to refine his conduct and thereby earn a share in the World to Come, and it therefore behooves each and every individual to perform Teshuva and correct his flaws. In the subsequent passage (Halacha 2; listen to audio for precise citation), the Rambam adds that one should make a point of repenting each and every day of his life. Nobody knows how long he will live; not every person is blessed with longevity. As such, it is unwise to delay Teshuva and think to oneself that he will have time to repent when he reaches old a