To celebrate Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism known as the Day of Atonement, several key practices are observed:
- Fasting: From just before sunset on the eve of Yom Kippur until nightfall the next day (about 25 hours), no food or drink is consumed. This fast symbolizes afflicting the soul to seek forgiveness and spiritual cleansing.
- Prayer: The day is spent mainly in synagogue attending long prayer services including Kol Nidre on the eve, morning, afternoon, and the closing Neilah service, which ends with the blowing of the shofar. Special prayers of confession and atonement are recited.
- Abstentions: Besides fasting, observant Jews also avoid wearing leather shoes, bathing or washing, applying lotions or creams, and sexual relations.
- Reflection and Forgiveness: It is customary to seek forgiveness from others for wrongs done during the year before Yom Kippur. The day focuses on repentance, introspection, and making amends.
- Pre-fast meal: Before the fast begins, a special meal known as Se’udah Mafseket is eaten with family, and candles are lit to mark the start of Yom Kippur.
- Charity: Acts of charity (tzedakah) are important around this time, and many make donations before or during the holiday.
- Remembering loved ones: Many visit cemeteries before Yom Kippur to light memorial candles for deceased relatives.
These customs together help individuals and communities achieve spiritual renewal and forgiveness on this solemn day.
