Understanding Yom Kippur: September 27

Sussex sundown by BadJon

At sundown today, our Jewish friends and neighbors begin their celebration of Yom Kippur which will end at sundown tomorrow.

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, the holiest and most solemn day on the Jewish calendar. It's a day of prayer and fasting for acknowledging and asking forgiveness for the sins of the past year.  It's a day of unity for all Jews.    Check here for more background information on Yom Kippur.

The traditional Yom Kippur greeting is May you be sealed for a good year! (in Hebrew: G'mar Hatimah Tovah).  This reflects the Jewish view of Yom Kippur as the day when God seals our fates (determined by our actions) for the upcoming year, in the Book of Life or the Book of Death.   Because Yom Kippur is a fast day, it is also appropriate to wish your Jewish friends an Easy Fast! today (in Hebrew Tzom Kal).

The Days of Awe on the Jewish calendar (Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur) are viewed as the beginning of the New Year, so you may also still wish your Jewish friends a "Happy New Year" or "L'Shana Tovah" on Yom Kippur.



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