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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.
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Yom Kippur at Home
 Blessings for the meal before the fast
On Yom Kippur, we share a holiday meal called seudat mafseket, the concluding meal before the fast begins.
Break the fast with fruits and vegetables
Linda Morel explains the reasons for traditional break-the-fast foods and offers healthy alternatives.
Who Fasts?
There are exceptions to the Yom Kippur fast.
Meditation for One Who Cannot Fast (PDF 43.69 KB)
The Jewish Parent Page and Holiday Happenings
Great ideas for observing Yom Kippur with your family. |
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Yom Kippur at the Synagogue
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.
Social Action High Holy Day Guide (DOC 133.12 KB) - Incorporate social action programming into holiday practices.
High Holy Day Guidebook for College Campuses and Small Congregations - “How-to” guide including service outlines, programs, and sample text studies.
Communicate! - Extensive program and idea bank.
Torat Chayim - Essays on the Torah portions for Rosh HaShanah.
The Art of Torah Cantillation (Vol. I) - Learn to chant Torah in High Holy Day trope (pages 95-96).
Wearing a Tallit at Kol Nidre - Learn about the origins and construction of a tallit.
Sounds of Kol Nidre - Marsha Bryan Edelman explains the origins of the music for Kol Nidrei, with musical examples. |
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Video: Rabbi David Woznica explores the meaning of the prayer B’Rosh HaShanah for our lives.
This sermon archive is available as audio files or text files.
Find out what progressive Jews in Australia are hearing on Yom Kippur. Select a text from the left navigation bar.
Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan heightens our understanding of the Yom Kippur fast, seeing it as a first step towards tikkun olam.
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An audio sampling of the music for the High Holy Days.
Recordings for Shabbat and the High Holy Days.
Creative children’s music. (Realplayer required)
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Essays on the special Torah portions for Rosh HaShanah.
Rabbi Eric Yoffie implores both the left and the right, to examine their position on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
Dr. Rachel Adler explores the question, "What are we and what is our life?"
Marsha Bryan Edelman explains the origins of the music for Kol Nidrei. Musical examples are provided.
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Commentary on Reform High Holy Day liturgy to help worshippers unlock the message within the prayers.
A midrashic study of Abraham's character that offers the opportunity to examine the High Holy Days themes.
This video outlines the ancient origin, evolution, symbols and traditions of the High Holy Days.
Readings and meditations from the Bible, the Talmud, the Midrash and the Zohar, to deepen the spiritual experience of the High Holy Days.
Historical background and interpretation of the ideas, practices and liturgy of the High Holy Days lending them contemporary relevance.
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As Avi searches for the reason his shofar will not work, he suddenly finds himself within it and discovers a magical world that teaches him the meaning of Rosh HaShanah.
Two children learn about forgiveness, love, and saying "I'm sorry" during Rosh HaShanah.
A fill-in dictionary for young readers that teaches them about the High Holy Days.
This board book introduces children to the symbols and themes of the High Holy Days and Jewish autumn festivals.
This website offer stories, creative games and activities for kids.
At High Holidays Central children can play online games, send e-cards and more!
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