U'Pasha

(Nosei (Avon) U'Pesha" is one of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy that relates to the forgiveness of peshaim (transgressions), which are severe sins committed rebelliously and with deliberate intent.

Its Meaning

The Divine Names of Havayah indicate the drawing down from nothingness to existence, from concealment to revelation, to fill all worlds (memale kol almin) and encompass all worlds (sovev kol almin). However, the Holy One, Blessed be He, in His glory and essence cannot be described as either filling all worlds or encompassing all worlds. He is entirely beyond the category of worlds, and there is the source of forgiveness and atonement - "Who forgives iniquity and overlooks transgression." For before Him, blessed be He, in relation to His very essence, no blemish, sin or transgression has any relevance. These only apply to the emanations that descend from His blessed countenance through many contractions (tzimtzumim), veils, and numerous garments.

This attribute is drawn down through tzaddikim (righteous individuals), just like the attribute of "preserving kindness for thousands" is drawn down through the tzaddikim. This concept is drawn down through the attribute of Tiferet (beauty/harmony), about which it is said, "Israel, in whom I take pride," and it is stated, "and his glory passes over transgression." This means that Israel, who are the tzaddikim, through their good deeds and devotion to Hashem, constitute His glory, and He overlooks the transgressions of the generation for their sake. They bring down kindness and abundance into the worlds, for "pesha" (transgression) is transformed into "shefa" (abundance) through them.