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Jewish Learning: About Yom Kippur
September 20, 2006Comments (1) | Add | E-mail this to a friend
The essence of Yom Kippur is not merely to atone and ask forgiveness for our sins, but to go deeper, wiping away our bad attitudes and behavior patterns, allowing us to enter the next year as greater, more successful people. Reflecting on our behavior and changing ourselves is probably one of the hardest tasks for an individual. The Hebrew word kippur actually means “to wipe off.”
While all Jewish sources agree that Yom Kippur is a day intended for teshuva, repentance and change, there are divergent opinions regarding how best to go about the process of repenting and transforming ourselves.
In traditional Jewish thought, repentance is looked at as a four-step process. First, frame your thoughts by reflecting on the past year. Next, consider changes you would like to see in your life and imagine your future. Reconcile this with where you are now. Commit to improving aspects of yourself and your relationships with others. Make apologies where necessary. Experience regret. Finally, when encountering your past mistakes, consider your past and make the conscious choice to do what you now know to be right.
The Jewish mystics, however, had a different approach to repentance. They thought focusing on what went wrong in your life could lead to depression. They taught to focus on what went right, remember and focusing on our proudest moments. By focusing on our best moments, we create a positive self-image and increase the likelihood of more great moments.
As Yom Kippur approaches we can begin the process of reflection and making change. Yom Kippur offers us not just one day to reflect, but a starting point for a whole year of opportunities to challenge ourselves and grow.
Portions of this “Jewish Learning” are excerpted from the Yom Kippur education pamphlets produced by Hillel’s Joseph Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Learning for distribution to Jewish students across North America.
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