Yom Kippur is the "Day of Atonement" and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance. This is considered to be the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. In three separate passages in the Torah, the Jewish people are told, "the tenth day of the seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: You shall practice self-denial?"(Leviticus 23:27). Fasting is seen as fulfilling this biblical commandment. The Yom Kippur fast also enables us to put aside our physical desires and to concentrate on our spiritual needs through prayer, repentance and self-improvement. It is customary in the days before Yom Kippur for Jews to seek out friends and family whom they have wronged and personally ask for their forgiveness.
Reaching for Holiness - Study guides for S'lichot, the High Holy Day season and Sukkot. Music workshop, text study, film discussion, personal evaluation, and more.
Shirei T'shuvah: Songs of Repentance A comprehensive High Holy Days resource for solo voice and accompaniment, with more than 300 pieces. An essential resource for all congregations.
Blessings for the meal before the fast
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