YOM KIPPUR

YOM KIPPUR

Yom Kippur (pronounced Yohm Kee-POOR) is the most holiest and sacred day of reflection in Judaism. Translated from Hebrew to "Day of Atonement," Yom Kippur is considered a somber day to reflect, repent, and ask for forgiveness for sins committed in the past year through prayer.

According to Jewish tradition, the "Ten Days of Repentance" begins with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). On Rosh Hashanah, God opens the Book of Life to make judgement on all living beings and writes the fate of everyone for the upcoming year. Yom Kippur marks the end of the repentance period when God seals his judgement on everyone.

The Yom Kippur observance lasts for 25 hours, beginning at sundown and ending the following day at nightfall. During this time, people fast by refraining from food or liquid. People wear white clothing as a symbol of purity. Other rules include not wearing leather shoes, no bathing or washing, no use of oils or lotions, and refraining from marital relations. A significant amount of the 25-hour period is spent praying. The holiday concludes with a joyful community or family meal after the final shofar blast.

Ancient History of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is in several passages of the Torah, which is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Leviticus 16 outlines the original sacrificial system administered by Aaron, the High Priest Kohen Gadol. It details the cleansing of the Sanctuary and the nation's sins. Leviticus 23:26–32establishes the exact date to observe Yom Kippur commands rest and self-denial. Numbers 29:7–11 lists the specific burnt offerings required for the day alongside the sin offerings.

"The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves... You shall do no work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the Lord your God."

The observation of Yom Kippur shifted during 70 CE, when the Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman Empire. The loss of of the Temple or Holy of Holies meant the High Priest's physical rituals and animal sacrifices could no longer take place. Jewish scholars and rabbis began to transform Yom Kippur into a communal and personal day of spiritual repentance. Fasting, prayer, charity, and personal confession replaced temple offerings. Today, modern Yom Kippur synagogue services recite sections of biblical rituals of the High Priest to honor the memory of the ancient practices.

"L'Shanah Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim" (pronounced: leh-shah-NAH hah-bah-AH beh-yoo-shah-LAYE-eem). Translation: Next year in Jerusalem!