Jewish Feasts - Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement – “The Sabbath of all Sabbaths”

 

I know this is late, but you know I have good excuse.  This holy day took place on Tuesday, Oct 4th this year.

 

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for Jews.  This day was started back when the people of Israel were wandering the desert and when Moses went up to Mount Sinai to meet with God and pray for forgiveness for worshiping a golden calf.  Moses descended the mountain on the 10th of Tishrei, now known as Tom Kippur or Day of Atonement.

 

Forty days before Yom Kippur, they begin by blowing the shofar every morning and reciting Psalm 27.  The week before, known as 10 Days of Repentance, there are some additions made to their prayers.

 

The day before Yom Kippur is set aside for eating and preparing for this holy day. Some of these preparations include the following:

·       They request and receive a piece of honey cake, as a symbol of being blessed with a sweet year

·       Two festival meals are eaten, one in early afternoon and another right before the commencement of the fast.

·       Some will immerse themselves in a mikvah, which is a pool of water

·       Extra giving is done as well

 

At the beginning of this day, a service is held known as Kol Nidrei.  In this service, two witnesses come in holding Torahs to simulate a Jewish court scene.  The prayer leader recites an old Aramaic prayer releasing the people from any vows that they may fail to fulfill in the upcoming year. Yom Kippur is dedicated to introspection, prayer and asking God for forgiveness as a collective unit (forgive the sins we committed, etc.) and individually (forgive the sins I commit). This event seals their fate for the upcoming year.

 

During Yom Kippur, no work is done starting sunset on the 9th until the stars come out in the evening of the next day.  While Rebecca and I were there, we were leaving Jerusalem as this day was starting.  The guide told us that even flights in and out of the city stop.  Absolutely no work is done.  

 

Starting on sunset on the 9th, the following actions are also avoided:

·       Eating or drinking

·       Wearing leather shoes

·       Applying lotions

·       Washing or bathing

·       And no sex

 

When finished, the shofar is blown again and the congregation declares; “Next year in Jerusalem” having the faith that they are sealed in the Book of Life for the coming year.