Yom Kippur

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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE HOLIDAY ITSELF...

  Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year.

Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend services on this day.

Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of the month of Tishrei. 

The name"Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and that pretty much explains what the holiday is.

 It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. 

 This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends.

Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person.

To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day.

It is well-known that you are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water) on Yom Kippur. It is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur.

  The Talmud also specifies additional restrictions that are less well-known:

• washing and bathing, anointing one's body (with cosmetics, deodorants, etc.),

• wearing leather shoes 

• and engaging in sexual relations are all prohibited on Yom Kippur...that's right...i said it!.

As always, any of these restrictions can be lifted where a threat to life or health is involved.(G-d forbid)!

In fact, children under the age of nine and women in childbirth (from the time labor begins until three days after birth) are not permitted to fast, even if they want to.

Most of the holiday is spent in the synagogue, in prayer. WAHOO!

People usually go home for an afternoon nap and return around 5 or 6 PM for the afternoon and evening services, which continue until nightfall. The services end at nightfall, with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a loOOOOOOOOOOOOng blast on the shofar. (SEE PREVIOUS E-MAIL)

  It is customary to wear white on the holiday, which symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow (Is. 1:18).

Have a good one!

OH!!!!! and if I have done anything to offend or hurt anyone, I am truly sorry.  it was not my intention at all!!!!!

  Much love,

STEPHI BLANK
PINWHEEL'S REGIONAL RELIGION/ EDUCATION VP
2005-2006