The Ebenezer Scrooge model: Can Yom Kippur really bring repentance and change?

The article explores whether Yom Kippur can truly lead to lasting repentance and behavioral change, drawing parallels to Charles Dickens's character Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol." Scrooge's transformation from avarice to generosity after confronting his past, present, and future serves as an example of profound moral change. Professor Mario Mikulincer, a Hebrew University psychologist, explains that genuine repentance involves a psychological process of recognition, confrontation, emotional awakening, decision, and changed behavior, rather than just regret. He notes that the Yom Kippur fast, by reducing executive function and promoting introspection, can facilitate this process, allowing individuals to overcome physical impulses and reflect on their existence. Mikulincer emphasizes that while stress and exhaustion can deplete executive function, leading to habitual behavior, the brain's neuroplasticity allows for change through practice and self-discipline. He advises, "Forgive yourself more, be less critical, feel healthy guilt, admit mistakes, and give a chance for something to happen." Dr. Aaron Cherniak, another psychologist, adds that while personality change is possible, it is often gradual and requires sustained new behavior rather than a single moment of insight.