The Fast of Yom Kippur

Introduction: Yom Kippur, means “Day of Atonement,” is the most solemn and holy day in the Jewish calendar.

According to the sources, Yom Kippur is a day of “self-denial” (Leviticus 23-27) and day to be cleansed of one’s sins. It is observed eight days after Rosh Hashanah. Traditionally, it is believed that on Rosh Hashana God inscribes names in the “books” and on Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in these books is sealed. A traditional greeting is “may you be inscribed in the book of life”.

Background Reading:

Day of Atonement

26 The LORD spoke to Moses, 27 “However, on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It’s a sacred assembly for you. Humble yourselves and bring an offering made by fire to the LORD. 28 You are not to do any work that same day. It’s the Day of Atonement, because your atonement is made in the presence of the LORD your God. 29 Anyone who doesn’t humble himself that same day is to be eliminated. 30 I’ll eliminate anyone who does work that day from among his people. 31 You are not to do any work. This is to be an eternal ordinance throughout your generations, wherever you live. 32 It’s a Sabbath of all Sabbath of rest for you on which you are to humble yourselves starting the evening of the ninth day of the month. You are to observe your Sabbath from evening to evening.”

6. 7 Feasts and a Fast – The Fast of THE DAY OF ATONEMENT/ YOM KIPPUR


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