Jewish views on sin

Judaism regards the violation of any of the 613 commandments as a sin. Judaism teaches that to sin is a part of life, since there is no perfect human and everyone has an inclination to do evil "from youth", though people are born sinless.[1] Sin has many classifications and degrees.

Unintentional sins are considered less severe sins. Sins committed out of lack of knowledge are not considered sins.[2][3]

When the Temple yet stood in Jerusalem, people would offer korbanot (sacrifices) for their misdeeds. The atoning aspect of korbanot is carefully circumscribed. For the most part, korbanot only expiate unintentional sins committed as a result of human forgetfulness or error. No atonement is needed for violations committed under duress or through lack of knowledge, and for the most part, korbanot cannot atone for malicious, deliberate sin. In addition, korbanot have no expiating effect unless the person making the offering sincerely repents of his or her actions before making the offering, and makes restitution to any person(s) harmed by the violation.[2][3]

  1. ^ Genesis 8:21
  2. ^ a b "Sacrifices and Offerings (Karbanot)". JewishVirtualLLibrary.org. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Skobac, Rabbi Michael. "Leviticus 17:11". Retrieved January 1, 2020.