RAV KOOK ON Vayeishev Part 3: The Special Teshuvah of Reuben

“Reuben returned to the pit, but Joseph was no longer in the pit. He tore his clothes [in grief].” (Gen. 37:29) Where was Reuben coming from? Why wasn’t he together with the other brothers? According to the Midrash, Reuben was “occupied with sackcloth and fasting,” as he repented for changing his father’s sleeping arrangements. (The word vayashov (“he returned”) can also mean “he repented.”) The Midrash continues: “The Holy One said: No one has ever sinned before Me and repented, but you [Reuben] are the first to repent. As you live, one of your descendants will stand up and be the first to urge repentance. And who was this descendant? Hosea, who called out, “Return, Israel, to the Eternal your God” (Hosea 14:2).”