Step 1

The first step of teshuva is to know to Whom it is you are returning to. It is our Beloved that we are focused on and to do anything we can to fix the distance we created in the relationship. We are stating that our goal is to receive Shabbat together with our beloved God.

Step 2

The second step is to think and recall a special moment of closeness that we experienced and to understand that we can go back to that special moment in our relationship with Hashem. If we cannot envision, on any level, what it means to return to Hashem, then we will be blind as to what we are returning to. All the laws of Shabbat are there to remind us that we “heard” Hashem voice at Har Sinai. It is not something “new”, but a return to something dear and familiar to our soul.

Step 3

The third step is to understand that teshuva is a process not only back to the Source, but the intended goal that the Source had in creating us… to bestow upon us the ultimate blessing of goodness and attachment to God.

Step 4

The next step is to realize that we CAN leave our internal and external turmoil that bring us to tears, and settle in the sanctuary of God’s shelter. There is no real reason for us to confine ourselves to tears and pain. God CAN forgive us, but we must also be able to forgive ourselves. A vital part of our teshuva is dependent on our ability to believe that it is REAL and to let our self-judgment go.

Step 5

The fifth step is to get out of our depressed state and live as the children of Hashem. Any parent, and even-more-so, the ultimate Parent, does not want their children to be depressed and feel like they are unworthy. Hashem sees us as incredibly lovable, just like we see our kids as our greatest light. Redemption is really close and Moshiach is actively being prepared because of this love of a Father to His children.

Step 6

The sixth step is to SHINE! Once our special relationship with Hashem becomes clearer to us and we peel our layers of depression and self-accusation, our true-self is revealed. That “true-self” is beautiful, it is your light. Bring out your inner Godly spark and let that lead you with passion to sing because “the glory of God is revealed upon YOU!”

Step 7

The seventh step is crucial because of the natural doubt we all carry (especially AFTER we have begun to do Teshuva). That doubt often leads to shame and depression, but that is destructive to our teshuva! In fact, it is more destructive than our original destructive acts! Hashem is telling us not to be embarrassed, don’t be ashamed, don’t be downcast, and don’t moan! Deal with the setbacks of being an imperfect human being, but don’t let it bring you down because you can be rebuilt on top of the hill. It is important to be aware that not only will you be rebuilt, but that it will be on top if the hill (a righteous cannot stand where a master of teshuva has reached).

Step 8

It must be clear that through our teshuva our evil drives that once spoiled us will fail and there will be great distance from what we once were and who we are now. God will rejoice in YOU (the real you) as one rejoices over a most precious bride. In other words, Hashem is ready to celebrate in your great victory in doing teshuva. Are you celebrating your growth and process? :)

Step 9

Your new and deeper relationship with Hashem and His mitzvot will not limit you! Shabbat is a taste of the world to come, a taste of being unlimited. With great joy anticipate feeling tremendously expansive. A desire of God is expressed in your joy and your song.

Step 10

We are going to be entering Shabbat complete (peace is completion) and feeling loved by Hashem. So lets do it, lets do teshuva with joy, peace, and song, wearing the crowns of the children of God!