This is great encouragement for anyone who has experienced a setback since Yom Kippur.

Chazal call the first day of Sukkos, “Rishon l’Cheshbon Ha’avonos – the first day for an accounting of sins”.  What do Chazal mean by that?

The Shelah HaKadosh explains that sins that were committed in the four days between Yom Kippur and Sukkos are forgiven (if a person does teshuva) to the same extent as if they had been done before Yom Kippur.  Meaning, even though Yom Kippur has already passed, we get an extension of atonement until Sukkos starts. 

So, for those who have slipped, fallen, or had other setbacks, do not despair!  By doing teshuva today, you can reset the clock to the moments after Ne’ilah!