“The elements of forgiveness: A Jewish approach.”

Source: (1998) In Dimensions of forgiveness: Psychological research & theological forgiveness, ed. Everett L. Worthington, Jr., 29-55. With a preface and an introduction by Everett L. Worthington, Jr. Philadelphia: Templeton Foundation Press.

Relating his mediation of a dispute between young boys at a camp, and using the forms of the Jewish prayerbook, Dorff examines elements of forgiveness from a Jewish perspective. He begins by describing the role and nature of God in forgiveness. He summarizes responses given by the boys when he queried them about three things: obstacles people experience in asking for forgiveness; obstacles people experience in extending forgiveness; and factors prompting forgiveness. This leads to delineation of the meanings of pardon, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Dorff examines the process of making amends in terms of the Jewish idea of teshuvah, meaning “return.â€? Specific attention is also given to forgiveness in relation to duty and moral character, forgiveness in relation to justice and mercy, and limits of forgiveness.