Yom KippurTuesday, September 25, 2012
First, Yom Kippur should never be understood as an isolated commemoration; but as the conclusion of a ten day period of worship known as the Days of Awe. This actually begins over a month before in what are known as "The Days of Preparation" as we take time to reflect upon the previous year, what has gone well: drawing us closer as a community and closer in our relationship with God; and what has gone not so well. We take some time to make a plan. We mend relationships where they are broken. We seek forgiveness from others. And we enter the Days with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, The Feast of Trumpets. For ten days, we intensify our commitment to repentance and reconciliation with both God and men. Traditionally, during this time, we may choose to observe the ritual of mikvah. |
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Traditionally, we wear all white on Yom Kippur, reminding us that sin is purged through repentance. And though we can't possibly have remembered and dealt with every transgression of God's Law that we've committed. We can trust that His grace and mercy is what brings reconciliation, regardless of our short-comings.
Yom Kippur is a fast day meaning that we do not eat from sundown the previous evening (Erev Yom Kippur) till after sundown. It should not be considered a process of self-deprecation; but intense worship and communion with God: not allowing any personal or physical interference in that relationship. Families have varying needs in regard to this. Pregnant or nursing women and young children are excluded from fasting. Children and people who may be ill will often choose a limited fast, either part of the day or a juice fast.
There are three services for Yom Kippur. On the evening before (just at sundown) we observe the service of Kol Nidre, (All Vows) in which we repent of all vows we have made to God and have been unable to keep. We ask to be released from such vows and start afresh in our relationship with Him. On the morning of Yom Kippur, we meet together for the worship service. Then, in the afternoon, we gather for the reading of the book of Jonah.
Yom Kippur is a fast day meaning that we do not eat from sundown the previous evening (Erev Yom Kippur) till after sundown. It should not be considered a process of self-deprecation; but intense worship and communion with God: not allowing any personal or physical interference in that relationship. Families have varying needs in regard to this. Pregnant or nursing women and young children are excluded from fasting. Children and people who may be ill will often choose a limited fast, either part of the day or a juice fast.
There are three services for Yom Kippur. On the evening before (just at sundown) we observe the service of Kol Nidre, (All Vows) in which we repent of all vows we have made to God and have been unable to keep. We ask to be released from such vows and start afresh in our relationship with Him. On the morning of Yom Kippur, we meet together for the worship service. Then, in the afternoon, we gather for the reading of the book of Jonah.
