The Torah does not frequently mention Vidui, confession. Indeed, this is one of the few places in which the Torah expresses the obligation to confess. Interestingly, the Torah mentions confession here specifically in reference to theft. Why? The Chidushei Ha’Rim responds that theft is the “avi avos,” primary category, of sin. Hashem has given us every organ and limb of our body for a particular purpose-to serve Him. When we veer from that goal we are guilty of theft – not simply petty theft, but stealing from Hashem. When we violate the “terms” of our “loan” from Hashem, we are acting as thieves. In other words, every sin, regardless whether it is manifest against man or Hashem, is by its very nature an act of theft.
Many people consider themselves to be virtuous and ethical. They would never take anything that did not belong to them. Yet, they fail to realize that unauthorized use of their G-d-given faculties is tantamount to stealing. We must remember that “we” do not have ultimate possession of “ourselves”. Our entire being is on loan for the express purpose of serving Hashem. Some individuals either forget this fact or are unable to focus upon achieving this goal.
