Confession in Writing
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Question
Hello, Can a person write a confession on paper about a sin they committed, express regret and acceptance for the future (instead of saying it verbally), and will this be considered as repentance? In other words, can repentance be done in writing and not verbally?
Answer
Hello,
The Rambam emphasizes that confession must be verbal:
Rambam, Laws of Repentance, Chapter 1, Halacha 1
"And they shall confess their sin which they have done" — this is a verbal confession.
Rambam, Laws of Repentance, Chapter 2, Halacha 1
"And one must confess with their lips and say those matters which they have resolved in their heart."
Source
Rambam, Laws of Repentance, Chapters 1 and 2