Yom Kippur 2023: Date, History, Facts about Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is regarded as the highest day in Judaism. Observed with fasting and prayer in accordance with the themes of atonement and remorse, the holiday typically lasts approximately 25 hours. People observing Yom Kippur are required to abstain from food and drink, as well as cleansing and sexual relations. In response, individuals are encouraged to spend the day seeking God’s absolution and donating to charity.

The background of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the highest day of the year according to the Jewish religion. Yom Kippur, whose name literally translates to “day of atonement,” incorporates all the emotions necessary for spiritual purification, from guilt to grief to resolution. The holiday takes place on the 10th day of Tishrei — the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar.

According to tradition, Yom Kippur dates back to the time of Moses the Prophet. Moses returned to the Israelites after receiving the Ten Commandments at the summit of Mount Sinai from God. In his absence, they had begun to venerate a golden calf as an idol. In a fit of rage, Moses smashed the stone commandments and then returned to the mountain to seek God’s absolution and repent on behalf of himself and his people. Then, he returned with a second set of the Ten Commandments and God’s pardon.

Yom Kippur marks the conclusion of these 10 Days of Repentance, which commence on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. During this period, it is believed that one can influence God’s decree for the upcoming year. On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish legal code of conduct for life, the Mishnah, depicts God inscribing the names of people in one of three books: one book for recording the names of good people, a second book for recording the names of wrongdoers, and a third book for those who are neither good nor bad.

Jews believe that by performing extensive acts of prayer, charity, and repentance during the Days of Awe, their identities can be changed in the Book of Life prior to Yom Kippur. The holiday begins at sunset and ends the following evening at sunset. Atonement for sins is accomplished through acts of fasting, abstinence from sexual relations, applying lotions, wearing leather shoes, and washing and bathing. Although not all Jews observe every aspect of Yom Kippur, it is also customary to attend synagogue.

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5 FACTS CONCERNING YOM KIPPUR

In Leviticus 16:8 (Torah portion Acharei Mot), the High Priest was commanded to place his hands on a goat on Yom Kippur and confess the sins of the entire community; the goat was then hurled off a cliff.

Bicyclists of all ages ride on roads and even main highways because they are largely free of obstructions.

Even though it is customary to consume a large meal before Yom Kippur, according to Dr. Tzvi Dwolatzky of Israel’s Rambam Health Campus, the extra food will not aid to extend the fasting period.

According to the late Rabbi Louis Jacobs, the prayer shawl or tallit is worn during Kol Nidre as a “symbol of reverence for the holy day.”

The first of the High Holy Days is Yom Kippur.

YOM KIPPUR DATES