Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) – A Day of Self Reflection and Repentance
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement is considered to be one of the holiest holidays in the Jewish tradition. Yom Kippur ends the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that are called “Days of Awe” – ten days devoted to the examination and repentance of our sins.
Why do we fast on Yom Kippur?
As a sign of repentance, the Jews fast for 24 hours that include a total abstention of food and drink. Many Jewish people, both religious and secular, refrain from work, driving, our any other daily activity. Instead, they visit the synagogue to pray before G-d and hear the sound of the Shofar blown.
Self- examination
On this day, Jewish people reflect on their past mistakes in the context of their relationship with G-d. the Jews ask themselves, have I followed all G-d’s commandments?
Another important part of this self-examination is in the context of relationship with other people, especially family and friends. It is a time for major introspection: to ask yourself if you hurt someone’s feelings, or treated your colleagues or friends disrespectfully. Based on the Jewish tradition, we all make these mistakes because we’re human, but it’s what we do about it that counts in the eyes of God.
Time to forgive and be forgiven
Yom Kippur is time to make new resolutions, apologize to the ones you’ve hurt and forgive the ones who have hurt you.
“May you be inscribed in the Book of Life” goes the common blessing we give to others during this time.
To read more about Jewish holidays, click on the link.
During Yom Kippur it is a mitzvah to listen to the sound of the shofar inside the synagogue.
