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Yom Kippur begins at sunset Tuesday, Oct. 4 and ends after sunset Wednesday, Oct. 5.

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and is ten days after Rosh Hashanah. It is the holiest of High Holy Holidays in Judaism. It is a time of atonement, meaning a time to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. There is a 25-hour fast as part of Yom Kippur to cleanse the body, not as a form of punishment. This day is also known as the Sabbaths of Sabbaths.

Traditions

It is traditional to wear white on Yom Kippur as a sign of purity. Besides the fast, the scripture readings remind worshipers that justice and “loving your neighbor as yourself” are the fundamental ways of bringing goodness into the world. There is a special, traditional musical piece chanted by the cantor and sometimes also played on a musical instrument as the sun sets on the eve of Yom Kippur — it is called Kol Nidre. Each service focuses on confession of sins. There is also a special memorial service on Yom Kippur, in which loved ones are remembered.

In ancient times, Yom Kippur was the only day that the high priest could enter the inner sanctum of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem prior to the Temple’s destruction in 70CE. After that, the service was adapted for synagogues. There are five prayer services as part of Yom Kippur spread over the 25-hour fast. Many people stay in the synagogue all day. Giving to charity is another important part of this High Holy Day.

Blowing the shofar
The shofar is once again a part of the worship tradition of the day. It is blown, one time on Yom Kippur, at the very end of the services.

After the service
People will go home to break the fast by celebrating with a plate of sweet things to eat such as blintzes, noodle pudding, and baked goods.

Learn more about Jewish faith traditions

  • Visit the My Jewish Learning website.
  • Attend the Jewish Student Union org meetings and follow them on Instagram (@carthagejsu).
  • Enroll in the Understandings of Religion class.
  • Attend a service or event at Beth Hillel Temple in Kenosha. Visit the temple website for details. You will have to call in advance to let them know you will join them.

Thank you to Professor Sandie Bisciglia for her support in gathering this information and to Rabbi Dena Feingold and Beth Hillel for always supporting campus ministry at Carthage.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Center for Faith and Spirituality

For more information, contact:

Kara Baylor: kbaylor@carthage.edu