What is Yom Kippur?
What is Yom Kippur?
Imagine taking 365 days of self-reflection, and compressing it into one, single day. That, in essence, is Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur occurs on the tenth day of the Jewish month of Tishrei (pronounced: ˈtiSHrē; Hebrew translation: ‘the beginning month’), and the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance—the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that focuses on internal reflection, repairing relationships, and setting intentions for the new year.
Jewish tradition teaches us a few key things about Yom Kippur:
- Yom Kippur is both solemn and deeply joyful
- Yom Kippur is one of the holiest and happiest days of the Jewish year
- Yom Kippur is self-reflective and future-focused
- Yom Kippur asks us to think about the quality of our life and our relationships
- Yom Kippur opens connections with self, friends, and family
- Hope is at the very center of Yom Kippur
Traditional Practices on Yom Kippur:
Over the last two thousand years, Yom Kippur practices have commonly centered around communal prayer. Here are some other traditional ways that Jews around the world celebrate Yom Kippur:
- Many communities practice through fasting, abstaining from wearing leather shoes, and wearing all white clothing. Why? Yom Kippur is often considered a day to step away from the everyday; and many distance themselves from life’s physical aspects in order to connect with a deeper, spiritual sense of self and the world.
- Many communities use prayer and reflection—both personal and communal. Prayer and reflection commonly centers around responsibility, and an obligation to stand accountable for mistakes and rifts that happen throughout the year.
- Teshuvah (pronounced: t’shoo-VAH; Hebrew translation: repentance, and literally “to return”): Teshuvah can be done at any time, but during the High Holiday season, and Yom Kippur especially, it is considered an essential component. There are many prayers and resources available that can help guide this process in a gentle and productive way.
Ideas for Celebrating Yom Kippur this Year:
- Seek out a community that is meaningful to you, whether it’s your campus Hillel or a group of friends. Spend time together in reflection of the past year and your hopes for the new year.
- Think about mistakes or challenges you have faced in the last year that you would like to handle differently. Reach out to friends or family to repair relationships you would like to see grow.
- Find a creative outlet for your reflections: Create a collage, write down your thoughts, or listen to music that helps you connect with your soul.
- Yom Kippur often ends with a celebratory meal….so gather your friends, and celebrate your anticipated growth and transformation in this new year.