Correspondent of the Day

Penitence, Forgiveness Should Govern Vick Now
Editor, Times-Dispatch: When I read that Michael Vick was returning to Virginia to complete his sentence, I asked some of my older colleagues from the 1st and 2nd centuries (Hillel, Rabbi Akiba, Rabbi Judah Hanasi) what they would advise with regard to Vick's return to football. I reminded them that no one could love animals more than I do, and that I believe what he did to a kennel of canines was horrendously contemptible.

They reminded me of the Jewish concept of forgiveness, which they were in the process of creating, to become an inherent part of Judaism for the next 2,000 years. Forgiveness in Judaism is mandatory when a person is remorseful, has repented, and has paid society for whatever his transgression might be.

We didn't speak English since the language hadn't been invented yet. But while we were discussing the Vick case, I recalled that the word "penitentiary" is related to penitence and repentance. Vick has served 19 months in the desolate chambers of penitence. He has deservedly lost millions of dollars and two prime years of his athletic profession as a gifted player.

Is he remorseful? Does he understand the severity of what he did? The Hebrew word for penitence is "teshuvah," which literally means "return." Once he has completed paying the debt he owes all of us and the injured dogs for his cruelty, he deserves a chance to return.

Our country is founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Serving the term and requisites of penitence to become a free person, liberated from the initial transgression, is one of those principles. Another is the importance of making a contribution to the welfare of one's society.

Vick still has a contribution to make as a talented athlete. Jack D. Spiro, Harry Lyons Chair in Judaic Culture, School of World Studies, VCU.

Richmond.