Yom Kipper

Yom Kippur There are many Jewish holidays, and they are each recognized in a different manner. One thing they all have in common is that they begin the evening before the specified date on the calendar. The Jewish day begins and ends at sunset instead of midnight. Some of the holidays last more than one day but Yom Kippur only lasts one. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” and is a day that is set aside to clean the soul. This is one of the most important Jewish holidays. On Yom Kipper, Jews will not work and will fast the entire day. On this “Day of Atonement,” Jews will repent for their sins between man and God and not for sins against people. Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath which means no work can be performed on this day. The Jews are to refrain from eating and drinking on this holiday. This is a 25 hour long fast that begins before sunset the evening before Yom Kippur and ends after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. There are other restrictions on this day like washing or bathing, putting on deodorants or makeup, or even wearing leather shoes. The Jews will wear canvas shoes instead of leather. Any of these restrictions can be lifted if there is a life threatening situation. Children under the age of nine and women that have just given birth are not permitted to fast even if they want to (Rich, 1995). During Yom Kippur, most of the day is spent in a synagogue, in prayer. Services will begin in the morning around 8 AM and end around 3 PM. Between 3 PM and 5 PM, people will usually go home and nap then return at 5 PM and hold services until nightfall. The services end with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a long blast on the shofar (Rich, 1995). The date that Yom Kippur is held on changes from year to year. Yom Kippur is held on the 10th day of Tishri and is instituted in Leviticus 16”29-30. This scripture states: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and you shall not do any