When Yochanon ha’matbil (also known as the John the immerser, later renamed ‘the Baptist’ in Christian circles) possibly emerged from a Qumranian sectarian milieu, he began his ministry by immersing Jews in the Jordan. His message—Teshuva (Repentance)—was direct, yet captivating and disruptive, as he prepared crowds of Judeans, including social outcasts, for a transformative encounter with the Living G-d through the Mashiach, for whom he paved the way. As we approach the High Holy Days leading to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the invitation to Repentance is renewed. HaShem is a G-d of forgiveness, and Tevilat Mashiach (Messiah’s immersion) is the necessary step for committing your way to HaShem. Through the Jewish Messiah (Tzaddik), G-d offers us a secure path to wipe the slate clean and begin anew—in real time—the old has passed, and the new has come.