Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on October 3, 2014

Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, is a day where Jews reflect on the past year and atone for their sins.

The Day of Atonement begins at sundown on Oct. 3 and continues until nightfall on Oct. 4, or 10 Tishrei 5775, according to the Hebrew calendar. Synagogue attendance peaks during the High Holiday, when Jews seek forgiveness for sins committed between man and God and pledge to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the new year.

For those who are unfamiliar with the important Jewish holiday, below are five answers to common questions surrounding Yom Kippur:

1. What does Yom Kippur mean?

Yom Kippur literally means Day of Atonement. It is a day devoted to afflicting the soul, repentence and reflections on sins committed in the past year. It marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe that began on the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah -- a period of serious introspection.

Yom Kippur is outlined in Numbers 29: 7-11 and in Leviticus 16:30, which reads, For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before God. According to tradition, God decides each persons fate, encouraging those to repent.

2. What greeting do you say?

A customary greeting on Yom Kippur includes wishing individuals an easy fast, Gmar Chatimah Tovah (may you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year) and LShanah Tovah (for a good year) in Hebrew.

3. How is Yom Kippur observed?

Jews mark the sacred and solemn day in multiple ways. The day is characterized by fasting, continuous prayer and repentance. The Talmud, a collection of rabbinical law, also outlines other restrictions including refraining from washing and bathing, putting on makeup or perfume, wearing leather shoes and having sex. Many wear white as a sign of purity and canvas shoes during the day. Charity is another important part of the holiday. In the days preceding Yom Kippur, Jews make donations or volunteer as a way to atone for their sins.

See the original post:

Yom Kippur 2014: 5 Things To Know About The Jewish Holiday

Category: Talmud
Tags: