Question about Teshuva (Repentance) and the Nuances of This Process
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Question
Hello, I am a born Jew who returned to faith only recently, last year. I know that I need to make a complete teshuva for all sins, mainly including the departure from true faith, and in general for my entire life up to this day. However, I can't remember everything... it's been 17 years! (I am now) so much time has passed. Who knows, I might have accidentally offended someone, or not accidentally, and now I don't remember at all, and it all seemed to me, guesses, fears, etc... Clearly, not everything was 'white and fluffy'. I feel great anxiety. Also, when I was a 'bad Jew' in terms of non-observance, I used to associate and communicate with anti-Semites (or rather, endured them...) who treated us terribly and caused many problems for me and my people as a whole. Now I am familiar with a whole range of different forms of anti-Semitism... Here too: now I am trying to force myself to love non-Jews (after all, you must love your neighbor) - but I am irritated by the very fact that they dared to touch my native people, including me and other Jews. I love my people very much, I am ready for anything for them, and no non-Jewish woman/man will stop me. That's all I can say. But what to do with teshuva? After all, Jewish law requires apologizing personally to the one you offended, not even to the Almighty, for repentance, and I literally have my whole life behind me, not just one or two days...
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
It is heartening to see that you are striving to correct the past and making efforts to live according to the Torah.
In your situation, a general teshuva will suffice: sincerely regret the past and work on the future. Additionally, you can engage in projects or initiatives that help the community as a whole, thereby 'correcting' any potential harm caused, as you mentioned, on a communal level.
May the Almighty bless you on your path!