Jewish teachings about forgiveness

• • It's a mitzvah (a divine command or duty) to forgive.  
• • Torah forbids Jews from taking revenge/bearing grudges.
• • ‘Do not hate your brother in your heart.’ Leviticus 19:17  
• • Humans = responsible for their actions. If someone does wrong, they have to recognise, admit, then the wronged is religiously bound to forgive.  
• • Without an apology, forgiveness is worthy and virtuous.
• • Teshuva is a way of atoning
• • Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) = Jews strive to perform teshuva.
• YOM KIPPUR

  • Jews fast, attend synagogue, abstain from work, sex, bathing and the wearing of cosmetics for 25 hours. Much time spent in prayer and reflection to seek forgiveness.
• YOM KIPPUR

  • God makes final decision on the next years nature for each person.
  • The Book of Life is closed and sealed, and those who properly repented their sins will be granted a happy new year. 
• • Talmud teaches holding to resentment is painful, and one who fails to forgive hurts themselves: ‘Who takes vengeance or bears a grudge acts like one who, having cut one hand while handling a knife, avenges himself by stabbing the other hand.’ Talmud, Nedarim 9:4 
• • Human's should follow God's example (God's love means he will always forgive)