Observing Yom Kippur

In addition to fasting and praying, the Talmud specifies other restrictions to observe on Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day. The Talmud also specifies additional restrictions that are less well-known: washing and bathing, anointing one's body (with cosmetics, deodorants, etc.), wearing leather shoes (Orthodox Jews routinely wear canvas sneakers under their dress clothes on Yom Kippur), and engaging in sexual relations are all prohibited on Yom Kippur.

It is customary to wear white on Yom Kippur. This symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow (Is. 1:18). Some people wear a kittel, the white robe in which the dead are buried.

Given that the fast reminds some people about what it feels like to be hungry, many people make food donations on Yom Kippur.

In Israel, the country comes to a complete halt on Yom Kippur. Places of entertainment and stores are closed, there are no television or radio broadcasts (not even the news), and public transportation is suspended. Solemnity on Yom Kippur in Israel is reinforced by memories of the 1973 war, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack against Israel.

When Yom Kippur ends, it is customary to start to build our sukkah for the next holiday of Sukkot. This way, we go right from atonement for our sins to a mitzvah.