Yom Kippur
Dear Friend,
I always find it strange when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat. Instead of what I usually associate with Shabbat—good food, friends, relaxation, a jovial atmosphere—there is a serious intensity, lots of prayers, and of course no food. I almost feel like I missed a Shabbat, that it kind of got swallowed up into this bigger, more important holiday.
But then again, what really is the purpose of Shabbat? Is it just a day off of work, a day to unwind, unplug and eat? Or is it a day to cultivate a deeper relationship with G‑d, without distractions from Facebook dings and smartphone alerts? A day to look within, pray, meditate, and appreciate what we have?
In that sense, Yom Kippur is the ultimate Shabbat. Without the distraction of food, with the increased prayers, we can focus solely on G‑d, our beloved. Yom Kippur doesn’t have to mean counting the pages in the prayerbook and watching the clock. It doesn’t have to mean guilt and fear. Yom Kippur can be the closest, most intimate day with G‑d. The Shabbat of all Shabbats.
May you be blessed with a good, sweet year—and an easy fast.
Sasha Friedman,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, when we fast, pray, seek forgiveness from G-d and our fellows, and come closer to G-d. It is the peak of the High Holidays.
What to do? Where to be? What not to do? We've assembled all the Yom Kippur basics on one easy-to-read page.
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