Judaism
Yom Kippur: The day of atonement
· 6 min read
Yom Kippur is the most sacred day of the Jewish year. Twenty-five hours of fasting, prayer, and repentance. It is the day God forgives the sins of Israel.
Yom Kippur
Meaning
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, established in Leviticus 16. The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer incense and confess the sins of the people.
Prohibitions
25-hour fast (no food or drink), no bathing, no leather shoes, no marital relations. It is a day of "afflicting the soul" (Leviticus 23:27).
Service
- Kol Nidrei: opening (annulment of vows).
- Viduy: confession (Ashamnu).
- Avodah: recreation of the Temple service.
- Neilah: closing of the heavenly gates.
Reading: Talmud Bavli Yoma. Shulchan Aruch OC 604-624. Yom Kippur Machzor.
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