Shaarei Teshuvah by Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona: what it is, structure and editions

October 18, 2026

Shaarei Teshuvah (שערי תשובה), “The Gates of Repentance,” is one of the classic ethical works of the Jewish Middle Ages. Its author is Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona, and it deals with repentance (teshuvah) and its principles.

Quick facts

One of Rabbeinu Yonah’s three ethical works

The Jewish Encyclopedia and Sefaria count it, together with the Iggeret HaTeshuvah and the Sefer HaYirah, among the classic ethical works of the Middle Ages. Both sources record an explanation that circulates about its origin: Rabbeinu Yonah is said to have written it to atone for his earlier attacks on Maimonides and to stress his repentance. This is a conjecture (“it is surmised”), not a documented fact: see his biography, which tells of his role in the controversy.

Structure

According to Sefaria’s division, the book has four gates, with 52, 34, 231 and 22 sections respectively. It begins by explaining what repentance is and what its foundations are. The sources consulted do not summarize the content of each gate, so this guide does not detail it.

Printing and translations

• Shaarei Teshuvah was first printed in Fano in 1505, together with the Sefer HaYirah, which had already appeared in 1490 as an appendix to another work. A bibliographic catalog dates that Fano edition between 1504 and 1506.
• The Iggeret HaTeshuvah was first printed in Kraków in 1586.
• It was reprinted many times, and versions exist in Judeo-German and Ladino: the Ladino one, by Yosef Shalom Gallego, was titled Sendero de Vidas (Amsterdam, 1640).

Not to be confused

Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda’s Chovot HaLevavot devotes its seventh gate to repentance, also called the “Gate of Repentance.” It is a different work: see the guide to Chovot HaLevavot. There are also other books with the same title.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Shaarei Teshuvah?

Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona, a Catalan rabbi and moralist of the 13th century.

How many gates does it have?

Four, according to Sefaria’s division.

When was it printed?

In Fano, in 1505, together with the Sefer HaYirah.