Page "Repentance in Judaism" Paragraph 28

: Once, Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai was walking with his disciple, Rabbi Yehoshua, near Jerusalem after the destruction of the Temple.

Rabbi Y ' hoshua looked at the Temple ruins and said " Alas for us !!

The place that atoned for the sins of the people Israel lies in ruins!

" Then Rabbi Yohannan ben Zakkai spoke to him these words of comfort: " Be not grieved, my son.

There is another equally meritorious way of gaining ritual atonement, even though the Temple is destroyed.

We can still gain ritual atonement through deeds of loving-kindness.

For it is written ' Lovingkindness I desire, not sacrifice.

'" ( Hosea 6: 6 )