Yom Kippur is the most important religious holiday of the Jewish faith. Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. On this day, the faithful atone for the sins of the past year. A somber holiday, Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of the Jewish High Holy Days, ending the period of personal reflection that begins with Rosh Hashanah. In 2006, Yom Kippur began Oct. 1 at sunset and lasts until the evening of Oct. 2.
According to Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur is the last day to repent and make amends before one’s fate for the coming year is sealed in the Book of Life. On this day, worshipers ask to be absolved from all sins against God. It’s important to note that observing Yom Kippur does not pardon one from sins committed against their fellow man unless the offender has previously asked for forgiveness. Therefore, in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, it is traditional to make amends with those one might have hurt in some way during the past year.
Unlike Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is characterized by the strict observance of the Sabbath. On this day, no work of any kind is performed and many daily tasks, such as bathing and eating, are prohibited. It is customary to fast for approximately 25 hours during Yom Kippur. During this time, no food or water is consumed. Fasting generally starts from sundown of the day before and continues until the evening of Yom Kippur.
The most important part of observing Yom Kippur is attending religious services at a synagogue. Worshipers attend synagogue twice during this holiday, once from early morning until mid-afternoon and then again in the evening when a special liturgy used only for Yom Kippur is spoken. The service ends with the blowing of the shofar, a hallowed out ram’s horn, which marks the end of Yom Kippur.
Sources:
"Judaism 101: Yom Kippur". Judaism 101. September 2006. 02 October 2006. http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm
"Rosh Hashanah" Wikipedia: Yom Kippur. September 2006. 02 October 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur
