Yom Kippur is said to be one, if not the most important day of the entire Jewish year. Yom Kippur meaning literally “Day of Atonement” which begins the holiday 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. The biblical inscription of this day is said as such:
“You should do no work throughout that day. For it is a Day of Atonement (“Yom Kippurim”) on which expiation is made on your behalf before the Lord your God. Indeed, any person who does not practice self-denial throughout that day shall be cut off from his people…” Leviticus 23:27
Also mentioned in Leviticus, The High Priest would participate in sacred rites. In doing so he would achieve expiation of sin from the people. His sacred rites would include the choosing of two goats, one to Azazel and one to God. The goat to God would take place on the alter, as an offering of purification. The goat to Azazel would be cast out and set free into the wilderness, upon its back the sins of Israel that the priest would confess to it.
Yom Kippur is also given another name which is from rabbinic literature. The name Yom HaDin, also known as Day of Judgement. This relates to the culmination of the 10 days of repentance. Which follows Rosh Hashana. For these rabbis the onset of Rash Hashanah marked the time of the ten days of repentance, a time for appeals and Yom Kippur concluded the cycle so that the verdict could be taken. Then God, the judge of all sins could decide Israel, as a whole and individual in the hopes of being written into the Book of Life.
For those that follow Yom Kippur, they must not participate in eating, drinking, Sexual relations, bathing or wearing leather shoes. (Leather shoes at that time were the most comfortable). While this may sound like a sad day or a hardship, in fact this day is one to reflect on ones life and ask for atonement. To cleanse the body and spirit.
The Jewish go by what is called the Lunar calendar. For this reason Yom Kippur begins at sunset and ends one hour after the following day. This totals a twenty-five hour period of reflection.
I remember being with my grandmother when I was young during Yom Kippur. The day was special to me even though I did not grow up to be Jewish. The start of Yom Kippur was very hard on me as I was not used to abstaining from things I felt were essentials in my life.
I did not see why we had to fast, or not wear certain shoes. She wanted me to take part in this holy of holidays so that I would too gain the spiritual inspiration that she did.
Throughout the day I realized that I didn’t need some of the things I felt I did. I learned that sometimes we need to sit back and just wait. We need time to reflect on our lives and acknowledge any wrong we did.
In the end I felt more fulfilled and enlightened then I ever had. I feel that getting to be part of that special holiday was a very important stepping stone into the wholesome life I lead now.
Jewish or not, there is always time in the day to stop and reflect. Be thankful for all you have whether it’s a lot or a little.
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