Originally published in the Encyclopedia Judaica, vol. 14 (1972), pp. 74-5. Rabbinic Views. The rabbis are eloquent in describing the significance of repentance. It is one of the things created before the world itself (Pes. 54a); it reaches to the very Throne of Glory (Yoma 86a); it prolongs a man’s life and brings on the Redemption (Yoma…