Guide
Individual and Communal Confession
3rd–12th Centuries
The rabbinic tradition requires that all individuals confess their sins as part of the regular Yom Kippur liturgy. Leviticus Rabbah and the Babylonian Talmud offer a variety of views on how this confession is to be worded, in some cases providing only the initial phrase of the prayer. Fuller versions of the confessions of Rav and Samuel mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud appear in medieval sources.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Confession on Yom Kippur Eve
Leviticus Rabbah 3:3
Let the wicked give up his ways, the sinful person his plans; let him turn back to the Lord, who will pardon him; to our God, who freely forgives (Isaiah 55:7). Said R. Biba bar Avina, “How should a…
Primary Source
Confession on Yom Kippur Eve and Yom Kippur
b. Yoma 87b
The sages taught: [The main] mitzvah of confession [is on] Yom Kippur eve when darkness [falls]. But the sages said: [One should also] confess [on Yom Kippur eve] before he eats and drinks [at his…
Primary Source
A Medieval Version of Rav’s Confession (Vidui)
You know the eternal mysteries
and the hidden secrets of all living.
You seek out all the chambers of the belly…
Primary Source
A Medieval Version of Samuel’s Confession (Vidui)
You know the depths of the heart
and the secrets of the innards you fathom.
The imaginings of [all] creatures are…