The Obligation to Have Thoughts of Teshuvah Before Reciting Vayechulu

The Ben Yehoyodah (Shabbos 119b) adds: Since the recital of “Vayechulu” is considered eidus, and a rosha is disqualified from giving eidus, one must have thoughts of teshuvah before reciting “Vayechulu”, and this is what the Gemara means when it says two malochim testify: וסר עוונך וחטאתך תכופר – “And your iniquity has passed, and your sin has been atoned”, they testify that this person is fit to give eidus.

However, the Pri Megodim (268, Mishbetzois Zahav, s.k. 5) brings that the Elyah Rabbah (s.k. 12) already writes in the name of his grandfather: “One must have thoughts of teshuvah before reciting “Vayechulu”, and he cites proof from Hilchos Gittin (Even HaEzer 154, Seder HaGet 241:2) where it says that we tell the witnesses of the giving of the get [divorce document], to have thoughts of teshuvah as a rosha is disqualified from giving testimony.”

The Imrei Emes would explain the above in a different manner (cited in Likutei Bosar Likutei Shabbos 119b). One who recites “Vayechulu” becomes a partner with the Ribbono Shel Olam in the Creation of the World, and the Mishnah in Avos teaches that it is forbidden to be friendly with a rosha, therefore, Hashem is forced to forgive one’s sins, in order that He can become a partner.