Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, where Jews confess their sins and ask for forgiveness. It is observed with fasting, prayer, and solemn rituals in synagogues and at home. A pre-fast feast is held, and the observance ends with the blowing of the shofar. It falls on the tenth day of Tishrei, usually in September or October. Many resources are available online for those seeking inspiration for a special observance.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. It is the “Day of Atonement” when Jews individually, and as a religious community, confess their sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. It was established when the Israelites were still wandering in the wilderness. The reference to Scripture is found in Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27-31, 25:9; and Numbers 29:7-11.
Yom Kippur is observed with solemn rituals in synagogues and at home, with fasting and prayer. Most observant Jews will abstain from eating, bathing, wearing leather shoes, anointing with oil, and conjugal intercourse for 25 hours: from one hour before sunset to sunset the next day. While fasting is mandatory, it is waived for those for whom it might be harmful, such as diabetics.
A large celebration is held in the afternoon before the official start of Yom Kippur. This feast can be a dairy feast, or one that includes meat, as Kosher dietary laws prohibit eating dairy and meat at the same meal. Kugel, a dish of pasta, sweet potato, and pumpkin recipes, as well as honey cake or baked chicken are all popular foods for the pre-fast Yom Kippur meal for Ashkenazi Jews. Some Sephardi Jews may eat similar foods, but their cuisine also reflects their geographic roots and may include couscous, olives, and other Mediterranean influences.
In the synagogue, Yom Kippur is observed with an evening service in which men put on their tallits, or prayer shawls. This is the only service of the year where it is performed. A morning service is held the next day and the blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn trumpet, ends the observance.
Yom Kippur falls on the tenth day of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar. This translates to September or October in the common calendar. Many Jews who are not otherwise observant come to services on this day. It’s a bit like Easter or Christmas for this in the Christian tradition.
Numerous Yom Kippur recipes and resources are available online for those seeking ideas or inspiration for a special observance of the holiest of the highest holidays in Jewish tradition.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
