Perhaps the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is characterized by introspection and forgiveness seeking. As a fast day, certain traditions and rituals surround food consumption and pertain mainly to the pre-fast meal.
- What Is Yom Kippur?
- Pre-Fast & Break-Fast Recipes
- Yom Kippur Overview
- The Four holidays of the Jewish month of Tishre
What Is Yom Kippur?
What is the meaning of Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is the day of introspection and atonement. It marks the culmination of a ten-day period of repentance – Aseret Yemey Teshuvah – starting with Rosh Hashanah. It follows a month of forgiveness seeking – Slichot – that occurs during the Jewish month of Elul.
When is Yom Kippur observed?
Yom Kippur is observed on the tenth day of the Jewish month Tishre. It follows Rosh Hashanah and precedes Sukkot & Simchat Torah. (See: The Four holidays of Tishre.)
How Is Yom Kippur Observed?
Yom Kippur is a fast day noted for solemnity but not sadness.
It is a day devoted to soul searching emphasizing the spiritual meaning of life. Yom Kippur focuses on seeking forgiveness and the intentional resolution for betterment.
Yom Kippur’s Prayers
Yom Kippur begins with the Kol Nidre service when an ancient and moving melody is sounded. The soul-stirring text ushers in the holiday with a public declaration intended to nullify the passing year’s vows.
The day of Yom Kippur is spent in praying and introspection. It concludes at sundown with the Neilah, the closing prayer. The sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, marks the conclusion of Yom Kippur and of the High Holiday period.
Yom Kippur’s Fast
Jewish holidays traditionally include a ritual meal. Since Yom Kippur is a fast day, the meal is eaten before the fast begins. It is called Seudah Mafseket – The meal that ends the eating before the fast.
Pre-Fast & Break-Fast Recipes
Click for Kosher Create’s recipe selection for the pre-fast meal and for breaking the fast. Feel free to reduce salt or eliminate spices if needed.
Note that customs and health considerations vary. The offered recipes are merely suggestions and should NOT be viewed as a dietary recommendation of any kind and/or an endorsement of any fasting ritual that may endanger individual health. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice. For guidance, please reach out to a certified health care professional. And as always, Take Care.
Click for Healthy Yom Kippur Recipes
Yom Kippur Overview
| I wanted to know… | In a nutshell… |
|---|---|
| What is the meaning of Yom Kippur? | Yom Kippur is the day of introspection and atonement. |
| When is Yom Kippur observed? | On the tenth day of the Jewish month Tishre. |
| How Is Yom Kippur Observed? | Yom Kippur is a fast day spent in praying and introspection. |
| What is Kol Nidre? | Kol Nidre is the prayer that begins Yom Kippur services. It is a public declaration intended to nullify the passing year’s vows. |
| What is Neilah? | Neilah is the prayer that concludes Yom Kippur. |
| What is the Seudah Mafseket? | Seudah Mafseket is the meal that ends the eating before the Yom Kippur fast. |
The Four holidays of the Jewish month of Tishre
| Jewish Holiday of Month Tishre | Hebrew Date | Commemorates |
|---|---|---|
Rosh Hashanah | 1st and 2nd of Tishre א – ב תשרי | Beginning of year; creation of the world and mankind. |
Yom Kippur | 10th of Tishre י תשרי | The day of introspection and atonement. |
Sukkot | 15th till the 21st of Tishre טו תשרי – כא תשרי | The Jews’ redemption from Egyptian slavery. |
Simchat Torah | In Israel – 22nd of Tishre כב תשרי Abroad – 23rd of Tishre כג תשרי | The celebration of the Torah, the Jewish Bible. |
Please note: The day in the Jewish Calander begins and ends with sunset. The Jewish Calander is set according to the moon, whereas the Secular Calander is set by the sun. Jewish holidays fall each year on a different secular date.