Question
What is the Jewish viewpoint on confessing one’s sins?
Answer
Confession in the Torah is associated with bringing a sacrifice to atone for a sin, but it does not depend on a sacrifice; it applies in all places and at all times as part of the process of repentance. The Kohen Gadol confessed publicly on Yom Kippur, but ordinarily, confession is a private matter. For details see the article on VIDUI in the Talmudic Encyclopedia, or the article on “Confession of Sins” in the Encyclopedia Judaica.