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What is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It concludes the Ten Days of Teshuvah, repentance, which start on Rosh Hashanah. In the Torah, Yom Kippur marks the day God forgave the Jews for the sin of the Golden Calf. The day is traditionally spent in prayer in the synagogue, and is observed with a twenty-five-hour fast.
Although the tone of the holiday is solemn, the overarching theme is one of optimism. We believe in the power of atonement and in God's mercy. After the fast, we blow the Shofar, eat a festive meal, and immediately begin our preparations for the upcoming holiday of Sukkot. This demonstrates our confidence that we've been granted another good year of life.
What do you need to observe Yom Kippur?
Yahrtzeit Candles
A Yahrtzeit Candle, or memorial candle, is lit at the start of Yom Kippur and burns throughout the day. Yahrtzeit Candles are customarily lit on the anniversary of a relative's passing and on holidays on which we recite the Yizkor Memorial prayer. Lighting a candle for the departed is believed to bring their soul joy and comfort.
Yom Kippur Machzor
The Yom Kippur Machzor contains the unique prayers recited on Yom Kippur. The Machzor can be purchased as a single volume for Yom Kippur, or in a set with Machzorim for other holidays. Machzorim come in a variety of text options, including Nusach Ashkenaz, Nusach Sefard, Hebrew, Hebrew-English, Transliterated, and Interlinear.
Kittel
A Kittel is a white robe worn by men, and some women, under the Chuppah and on select holidays. On Yom Kippur, the Kittel takes on a special significance, reflecting the purity we hope to achieve once our sins are forgiven. Additionally, because many people are buried in their Kittel, wearing one reminds us of the gravity of the day, as we ask to be inscribed in the Book of Life.
Books
There are a number of books you may find helpful when preparing for and observing Yom Kippur. In addition to the Yom Kippur Machzor, there are numerous works that explore the traditions and themes of the holy day. A popular selection is a step-by-step guide which introduces beginners to the various prayers that are recited in synagogue, as well as the Halachot observed.