All About Yom Kippur

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur, literally "Day of Atonement," is the holiest day of the Jewish year.

When was the first Yom Kippur?

After the Israelites alienated God by worshipping the golden calf, Moses ascended Mount Sinai to ask God for forgiveness. While Moses was on the mountain, the Israelites repented by fasting. On the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (Yom Kippur), Moses descended Mount Sinai with the second Tablets. Thus, on the first Yom Kippur (approximately 3,500 years ago), the Israelites succeeded to atone for their sins and renegotiate their covenant with God.

Yom Kippur in the Holy Temple

At the time of the Temple, the high priest (Kohen HaGadol) performed a ritual of atonement for all the children of Israel on Yom Kippur. It was the only time that the high priest entered the Temple's "Holy of Holies." Leviticus (chapter 16) describes this ritual in detail.

How is Yom Kippur Observed Today?

Yom Kippur is a day of "self-denial" (Lev. 23-27) with the goal of cleansing oneself of sins. Repentance (teshuva) is the theme of Yom Kippur. The 25-hour Yom Kippur Fast is the only fast day decreed in the Bible. Prayer services on Yom Kippur are lengthy and solemn. In addition to fasting and praying, many Jews observe other restrictions and customs on Yom Kippur.

Why is Yom Kippur Important?

Yom Kippur is observed eight days after Rosh HaShanah (The Jewish New Year). It is believed that on Rosh HaShana God inscribes all of our names in the "books", and on Yom Kippur the judgment entered in these books is sealed. The days between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur are called the Days of Awe. Yom Kippur is, essentially, our last chance to demonstrate repentance and change God's judgment. On Yom Kippur, our fate for the coming year is sealed.