Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement

Table of Dates correlate to Gregorian

Yom Kippur occurs on the 10^th day of the Jewish month Tishrei, which correlates to the Gregorian Calendar dates in 2023 – Sept 25^th, 2024 – Oct 12^th, 2025 – October 2^nd, 2026 – Sept 21^st, 2027 – October 11^th, 2028 – September 30^th, 2029 – September 19^th, 2030 – October 7^th.

Overview

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is one of the most important and holiest days in the Jewish faith. It has a long and significant history that has instruction found in the Book of Leviticus chapter 16 and 23, in which the High priest would enter the inner sanctum in the temple once a year to atone for the sins of the nation. In modern days, it is traditionally seen as a day of asking for forgiveness for oneself and others.

Etymology and Timing

Yom Kippur or Yom Ha-Kippurim means Day of Atonement in English. Together with Rosh Hashanah, these two holidays make up the Jewish High Holidays, or the “Days of Awe“, in Hebrew the Yamim Nora’im. Yom Kippur is referred to in some Rabbinic literature as the Sabbath of Sabbaths.

Since Yom Kippur is part of Rosh Hasanah, the common greeting to share with others during this Holiday is ‘Shana Tova,’ which means Good Year in Hebrew.

Origin and History

Yom Kippur originates and can be traced back to the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Leviticus. According to biblical tradition, Yom Kippur was established as a day of fasting and repentance for the Israelites. It was to be observed on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, following the solemn holiday of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year).

During the time of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, Yom Kippur was the only day when the high priest, the religious leader of the Israelites, could enter the Holy of Holies—the inner sanctum of the Temple. The high priest would perform prescribed rituals, including animal sacrifices and the casting of lots to determine the fate of the people for the coming year.

After the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, the Jewish people were exiled from Jerusalem and scattered across different regions. Without the Temple, the focus of religious observance shifted to the synagogue. Yom Kippur became a day of communal prayer, fasting, and introspection, emphasizing individual repentance rather than sacrificial rituals.

Throughout history, Jewish communities faced various forms of persecution and restrictions that affected their observance of Yom Kippur. In many places, Jews were prohibited from openly practicing their religion, and Yom Kippur services had to be held secretly. Despite these challenges, the holiday remained a central part of Jewish religious life.

In modern times, Yom Kippur continues to be observed as a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. It begins at sunset on the ninth day of Tishrei and concludes at nightfall the following day. The day is dedicated to seeking forgiveness from God and fellow human beings, reflecting on one’s actions over the past year, and making resolutions for personal improvement.

Yom Kippur is widely observed by Jewish communities around the world. It is marked by abstaining from food and drink, refraining from work, attending synagogue services, reciting prayers, and engaging in acts of charity. Many Jews also use this occasion to reconcile with family and friends and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings.

Religious Beliefs & Ceremonies

Yom Kippur is a holiday with several beliefs and spiritual concepts associated with it. It is believed that on this day, sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from both God and fellow human beings can lead to atonement for sins committed during the past year. It is a time for reflection, self-examination, and making amends for wrongdoings.

Teshuvah (Repentance) is the central theme of Yom Kippur. It is the process of repentance and returning to a state of righteousness. Jewish tradition teaches that individuals can mend their ways, seek forgiveness, and change their behavior for the better. Yom Kippur encourages sincere introspection, acknowledging mistakes, and taking steps to make improvements.

Prayer and Fasting is essential to Jews during Yom Kippur. Jews attend synagogue services that include special prayers and liturgy unique to Yom Kippur. The focus is on seeking forgiveness, expressing remorse, and making commitments to improve oneself morally and spiritually. Fasting is a central observance of Yom Kippur. The belief behind fasting is to engage in self-denial and focus on spiritual matters rather than physical needs. By abstaining from food and drink for the duration of the holiday, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the spiritual aspects of Yom Kippur and their willingness to undergo temporary physical discomfort for the sake of repentance.

The Book of Life and divine judgment are central to the beliefs and traditions of of Yom Kippur. According to Jewish tradition, on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and sealed on Yom Kippur, God reviews each person’s actions and decides their fate for the coming year. The emphasis on repentance and seeking forgiveness on Yom Kippur is believed to have the potential to sway divine judgment in a positive way.

Jews gather in synagogues to collectively observe the holiday and engage in prayer and reflection as a community. It is a time for individuals to come together, support one another, and seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged. The belief in communal accountability emphasizes the importance of relationships and reconciliation.

Priestly Duties in the Old Testament

In ancient times, during the period when the Temple in Jerusalem stood, the priestly duties on Yom Kippur were primarily performed by the High Priest, who held a prominent role in the religious practices of the Israelites. The High Priest had specific responsibilities and rituals to carry out on this holy day.

The High Priest began their duties by undergoing a period of purification and preparation. This involved immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) and wearing special garments. On the day of Yom Kippur, the High Priest led the entire community in the various religious ceremonies within the Temple. These rituals included the offering of special sacrifices and the performance of sacred duties.

The High Priest was responsible for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. On Yom Kippur, he would perform unique sacrifices, including the offering of a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household, and a goat as a sin offering for the entire community. One of the most significant rituals performed by the High Priest on Yom Kippur was the offering of incense in the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Temple. This act was done in complete solitude, and it symbolized the spiritual connection between the High Priest and the Divine.

The Scapegoat Ritual

Another central part of the High Priest’s duties on Yom Kippur involved the ceremony of the scapegoat. Two goats were brought before the High Priest, and through a process of casting lots, one was chosen to be sacrificed, while the other was sent away into the wilderness, specifically to Azazel, symbolically carrying the sins of the people.

But the goat for Azazel is to be placed living before the Lord, for the taking away of sin, that it may be sent away for Azazel into the waste land

– Leviticus 16.10

These duties were specific to the High Priest, and they were performed in the context of the Temple worship during ancient times. Since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, these rituals are no longer practiced in the same manner. In modern times, Yom Kippur is observed primarily through prayer, fasting, and introspection by the entire Jewish community, with an emphasis on personal repentance and seeking forgiveness from both God and fellow human beings.

Significant Icons or Attributes

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, holds rich symbolism in Jewish tradition. The symbols associated with Yom Kippur convey deep spiritual and ethical meanings. On Yom Kippur, it is customary to wear white garments, often referred to as kittels, which symbolize purity and spiritual cleansing. The color white represents the desire to approach God with a pure heart and seek forgiveness.

As mentioned before, the Scapegoat (Azazel) or the ritual of the scapegoat, as described in the Book of Leviticus, symbolizes the removal of sins from the community. Two goats were chosen, and one was sacrificed as a sin offering while the other, symbolically bearing the sins of the people, was sent away into the wilderness. This act represents the casting off of transgressions and starting anew.

The Book of Life is another important icon in Jewish tradition. Yom Kippur is associated with divine judgment and the belief that God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year in the Book of Life. The Book of Life symbolizes introspection, repentance, and the opportunity for individuals to shape their destinies through sincere atonement and seeking forgiveness.

The Kol Nidre Prayer recited at the beginning of Yom Kippur, holds great symbolic importance. It is a solemn declaration nullifying vows and oaths made unintentionally or under duress. This prayer signifies the commitment to truthfulness, honesty, and the desire to start the year with a clean slate.

Yom Kippur is considered a day of affliction or self-denial. It is characterized by five specific restrictions:

• abstaining from eating and drinking,
• refraining from bathing,
• avoiding the use of lotions or perfumes,
• wearing leather shoes, and
• engaging in marital relations.

These afflictions symbolize the focus on spiritual matters and demonstrate a willingness to forgo physical comforts in pursuit of repentance and atonement.

Neilah: Neilah is the final service of Yom Kippur, conducted at sunset before the conclusion of the holiday. The word “Neilah” means “closing,” and this service is viewed as the closing of the gates of heaven, representing the final opportunity for repentance and divine forgiveness.

These symbols serve as reminders of the spiritual themes and values associated with Yom Kippur. They highlight concepts such as purification, forgiveness, self-reflection, renewal, and the potential for personal transformation. The symbolism of Yom Kippur encourages individuals to engage in sincere repentance, seek forgiveness, and strive for spiritual growth.

Symbolic and Associated Foods

Yom Kippur is a day of fasting and repentance in the Jewish faith, which means that the traditional practice is to abstain from food and drink for the duration of the holiday. The fasting period typically lasts from sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur until nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. It is customary to have a meal before the fasting begins, known as the “pre-fast meal” or “seuda mafseket.” This meal is often hearty and intended to sustain individuals throughout the day. Some traditional foods that are commonly consumed before the fast include:

Challah – A braided bread typically eaten on Shabbat and holidays. It is often served during the pre-fast meal.

Chicken or Fish – These protein-rich dishes are commonly prepared, often roasted or baked, and can be served with various seasonings and side dishes.

Dairy Dishes – Some individuals choose to include dairy dishes in their pre-fast meal. Examples include cheese blintzes, quiches, or cheese-filled pastries.

Fruits and Vegetables – Fresh fruits and vegetables are commonly served as part of the pre-fast meal, providing light and refreshing options.

Kugel – A baked casserole dish made with noodles or potatoes, eggs, and other ingredients. Sweet noodle kugel and potato kugel are popular choices.

Soups – Hearty soups, such as chicken soup or vegetable soup, are often served at the pre-fast meal to provide sustenance.

After the conclusion of Yom Kippur at nightfall, it is customary to break the fast with a light meal called the “break-fast.” This meal often includes easily digestible foods such as bagels, lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, scrambled eggs, salads, and various pastries. The break-fast is an opportunity to replenish energy after the day of fasting.

References

Infoplease.com – Jewish Holiday Calendar – Yom Kippur