What is the required element that makes Teshuvah halachically valid?
The Rambam rules: anyone who sins must confess verbally. This is a positive commandment. No verbal confession means the Teshuvah is not complete.
Question 2
What atones for sins in our time, without the Temple?
The Rambam is explicit: even without a Temple, Teshuvah atones for everything. Nothing is beyond its reach.
Question 3
What is needed to fully atone for chillul Hashem (desecrating God's Name)?
Chillul Hashem is so severe that it requires Teshuvah + Yom Kippur + suffering through life — and ultimately, only death brings complete atonement.
Question 4
What happened to Israel's sins through the Yom Kippur scapegoat?
The Kohen Gadol confessed for all of Israel, covering even sins people didn't personally confess. The nation is spiritually one unit.
Question 5
Does Teshuvah work for someone who was wicked their entire life?
The Rambam states: even one who was wicked their entire life and repents at the end — their wickedness will not be held against them. Teshuvah works at any point.