Teshuva (Elul 5780 to the year 5781).

TESHUVA CLASS ONE
The first class covers “teshuva tata’a” (lower teshuva)  ((text covered is Perek Alef – Igeres Ha-Teshuva)
The first half of the class is focused on “kabbala al’haba” – “going forward not going back” which is the work of “teshuva”.  Life is about work – being a Baal Ha’bais (master) over ourselves.  Teshuva is a behavioral practical focus – it is not emotional.  If one makes a decision to be pro-active about weak points in life that is also teshuva.
The second half of the class addresses “teshuva shlema” (complete teshuva) which requires regretting the past and admitting the sin clearly and verbally (this is a Mitzvas Asei). Teshuva requires an action – thought is not an action according to halacha – but speech is. This is why “viduy” (verbal confession) is a part of the process of complete “teshuva”. This leads to clearing the sin
Confession between man and man is done between man and man, confession between man and G-d must be private.
38:54 Q&A starts
Class Length (47:58 minutes)

TESHUVA CLASS TWO
The second class starts with an overview of the full process of teshuva as laid out in class one as show below
1.  Acceptance going forward (not back) – “kabbala al’haba”
2.  Regret – “Charata”
3.  Confession – “Viduy”
The class then continues with in depth discussion of the concept of  “teshuva ila’a” (higher teshuva) (text covered is Perek Bais – Igeres Ha-Teshuva). “Teshuva ila’a” (higher teshuva) is defined as a process of reiginiting motivation.  For example, the primary motivation to do mitzvot and spiritual avoda is a connection with Hashem, reconnecting primary motivation to change which makes change easier.  The question is then posed, “Which teshuva should come first?” Should one first change behavior or motivation?  
Class Length (38:13 minutes)

TESHUVA CLASS THREE
Texts: Likutei Torah on “Ma-Toyvu” (the classic ma’amar on teshuva – often quoted by The Rebbe)
This class goes over the concepts of teshuva, particularly “teshuva tata’a” and connects it to אלוקינו (our Personal G-d) as opposed to אלוקים the G-dliness of concealment.
Making אלוקים back into אלוקינו is Teshuva Tata’a.
Class Length (35:16)

TESHUVA CLASS FOUR –
Ma’amar from The Alter Rebbe in Likutei Torah on Balak – is a classic ma’amar of teshuva.  The second Teshuva is ila’a it’s called עשה טוב to create (Yesod) a connection to the Ein Sof.
This Teshuva heals the past.
Class Length (31:19)

TESHUVA CLASS FIVE
Text:  Likutei Torah Ma Tovu Chapter 3; Tanya Chapter 31
This class moves on the the third type of teshuva – reconnecting with God. The text studied in this shiur is Chapter 31 in the Tanya.  The main message of Chapter 31 is to choose joy.  The class also includes a brief review which sets the context for teshuva type 3.  
Teshuva type 1 – teshuva tata – is healing the “p’gam” (blemish) or removing the blemish or the bad habit.  
Teshuva type 2 – teshuva ila’a – is about healing the relationship with Hashem (stopping the merida (rebellion)
Teshuva type 3 – becoming one with Atzmus (essence of God). This teshuva is not about self it is about becoming one with Hashem and choosing joy
Class Length (33:15)

TESHUVA CLASS SIX
Text: Tzemach Tzedek “Derech Mitzvosecha” . 
This class covers the fact that Teshuva can only be done in this (physical) world and several aspects of soul cleansing after the physical lifespan ends. As there is no teshuva in Gan Eden, better to do teshuva in the world than to wait for the spiritual cleanup. 
Two reasons:
A. This world is Chessed (like water is a solvent, the evil is diluted).
B. The world is a chaotic place and we are striving to give it order.  So long as this world is not organized in the midst of the chaos you have Infinity.  It is a fault in us that we are not organized but in the middle of this chaos teshuva can happen – miracles happen.  
Class Length (41:12)