Understanding Yom Kippur, the Holiest Day in Judaism
Yom Kippur, often called the Day of Atonement, is recognized as the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar. It follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and it brings to a close what are known as the Ten Days of Awe. This period is set aside for reflection, repentance, and a search for forgiveness. Jewish tradition teaches that it was first observed after Moses received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, and ever since, it has held deep spiritual weight.
The holiday does not fall on the same day each year, since the Jewish calendar is based on both the sun and the moon. Instead, it usually comes in September or October. In 2025, it begins at sundown on October 1 and concludes the following evening. The observance lasts 25 hours, and during this time, many Jewish people fast. Food and drink are avoided so that attention can be shifted away from physical needs and directed toward spiritual renewal. A survey in 2021 showed that nearly half of Jewish people worldwide fast for all or part of the day, and among Orthodox Jews, that number is even higher.
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But fasting is not the only form of observance. Some may also abstain from bathing, wearing leather shoes, applying lotions or perfumes, and engaging in work or intimacy. The idea is to step away from daily routines and earthly comforts so that the soul can be elevated. It is believed that by doing so, individuals become more focused on prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness from both God and others.
The prayers and rituals of Yom Kippur are rich with symbolism. The holiday begins with the Kol Nidre service, a solemn moment in which vows and promises that may not be fulfilled in the coming year are formally released. This ritual is performed before witnesses holding Torah scrolls, symbolizing a sacred court. Services continue throughout the day, and the atmosphere is deeply reflective. While the focus is on personal repentance, it is also a collective experience, as Jewish communities around the world come together to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek a better path forward.
The closing moments of Yom Kippur are powerful. A shofar, which is a ram’s horn, is blown to signal the end of the fast. Congregations often declare together the phrase “L’shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim,” which means “Next year in Jerusalem.” This proclamation carries hope, faith, and a sense of renewal, affirming the belief that sins have been forgiven and that a fresh start has been granted.
For many, Yom Kippur is not just about turning inward but also about considering the world outside. Some rabbis this year have spoken about the way fasting draws attention to the suffering of others who go hungry, including those impacted by conflict and hardship. In this way, the holiday serves both as a deeply personal spiritual exercise and a call to live with greater compassion, justice, and responsibility.
Yom Kippur, then, is more than just a day of prayer. It is a bridge between past and present, a reminder of ancient tradition, and a guide for how to live with humility and moral clarity in the year ahead.
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