Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, dedicated to fasting, prayer, introspection, and seeking forgiveness from God and others. It begins at sunset and lasts for about 25 hours, encompassing both an intense fast and several prayer services in synagogue.
Key Aspects of Yom Kippur Celebration
- Fasting: No eating or drinking for nearly 26 hours, from just before sunset on the eve of Yom Kippur to nightfall the next day. This fast is observed as a spiritual cleansing and repentance act.
- Prohibitions: Besides fasting, participants avoid wearing leather shoes, washing or bathing, applying lotions or perfumes, and engaging in marital relations.
- Prayer Services: There are five prayer services during Yom Kippur—Maariv (evening), Shacharit (morning), Musaf (additional), Minchah (afternoon), and Neilah (closing). These include special readings, penitential prayers, and the famous Kol Nidrei prayer, recited at the start.
- Attire: Many wear white as a symbol of purity and humility, reflecting the solemn nature of the day.
- Seeking Forgiveness: Yom Kippur focuses on repentance and reconciliation with both God and fellow humans, often including asking forgiveness from others before the fast begins.
- Ending the Fast: The fast concludes with the sounding of the shofar, a ritual ram’s horn blast marking the end of the holy day.
Yom Kippur typically follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and is part of the Ten Days of Repentance in the Jewish High Holy Days season. It is considered a time to reflect deeply on one's spiritual life and commitments to improved behavior and atonement for sins.
