I came across an interesting Gemora in Horiyos, for those learning the daf. The Gemara relates how Klal Yisroel brought 12 korbanos for sinning with Avoda Zara (Par Healam Davar). The Gemara asks, "According to R' Yehuda who holds that each shevet requires their own korban I understand why they brought 12 korbanos. But according to R' Meir who holds that Bais Din brings 1 korban for all of Klal Yisroel, why 12 Korbanos?"
The Gemara answers, "Because Klal Yisroel sinned, did Teshuva, sinned again, did Teshuva again, etc... 12 times!
Vicious cycle?
No end?
No! They picked themselves up each time and tried again.
Eventually they won!