What is Yom Kippur?
What is Yom Kippur?
Imagine taking 365 days of self-reflection, and compressing them into one, single day. That, in essence, is Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur occurs on the tenth day of the Jewish month of Tishrei (pronounced: ˈtiSHrē; Hebrew translation: the beginning month), and the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance — the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that focuses on internal reflection, repairing relationships, and setting intentions for the new year.
This year, Yom Kippur comes less than a week after the first-year commemoration of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The ongoing grief for the people killed and the continued prayers that the hostages taken on that day will be released add a new dimension to this year’s observance of Yom Kippur.
Jewish tradition teaches us the following about the holiday:
- Yom Kippur is both solemn and deeply joyful
- Yom Kippur is one of the holiest and happiest days of the Jewish year
- Yom Kippur is both self-reflective and future-focused
- Yom Kippur asks us to think about the quality of our life and our relationships
- Yom Kippur opens connections with self, friends, and family
- Hope is at the very center of Yom Kippur
There are three main elements of Yom Kippur:
Teshuvah
(pronounced: t’shoo-VAH; Hebrew translation: repentance, and literally “to return”)
Teshuvah can be done at any time, but during the High Holiday season, and Yom Kippur especially, it is considered an essential component. As you reflect on the year and places where you missed the mark, consider saying “I’m sorry” to someone who you might have harmed.
Tefillah
(pronounced: t’fee-LAH; Hebrew translation: prayer)
Many people use prayer as a way of observing Yom Kippur, including the Kol Nidre service at the eve of Yom Kippur and the Neilah service closing Yom Kippur. Your campus Hillel may be hosting Yom Kippur services or can connect you to a local Jewish community that would welcome you.
Tzedakah
(pronounced: Tz’DAH-kah; Hebrew translation: charity, literally meaning “justice”)
In the time leading up to Yom Kippur, consider making a donation of money or supplies to a cause you’re passionate about. Some ideas may include hurricane relief, supporting people impacted by the war in Israel, or a campus organization.
Practices on Yom Kippur:
Over the last two thousand years, Yom Kippur practices have commonly centered around communal prayer throughout the 25 hours of the holy day. Here are some other ways that Jews around the world celebrate Yom Kippur:
- Many communities practice through fasting, abstaining from wearing leather shoes, and wearing all white clothing. Why? Yom Kippur is often considered a day to step away from the everyday, and many distance themselves from life’s physical aspects to connect with a deeper, spiritual sense of self and the world.
- Many communities use prayer and reflection — both personal and communal. Prayer and reflection commonly center around responsibility, and an obligation to stand accountable for mistakes and rifts that happen throughout the year.
Ideas for Observing Yom Kippur this Year:
- You may consider how to make Yom Kippur feel different while you’re away from home at college. Do you want to skip classes, club meetings, and sporting events? Do you want to wear special clothing (either traditional white clothing or a special outfit) or Jewish jewelry like a Star of David necklace? Do you want to avoid using technology or make a special time to call family and friends?
- Another tradition associated with Yom Kippur is the Yizkor (Memorial) Service. In some communities, people only attend if they have experienced the death of a parent or immediate family member, and in other communities, people attend to remember friends, grandparents, or those who have no one to remember them. On this first year after the tragic attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, many communities will be including prayers in their Yizkor service to honor the victims of terrorism.
- Find a creative outlet for your reflections: Create a collage, write down your thoughts, or listen to music that helps you connect with your soul.
- Yom Kippur often ends with a celebratory break fast meal, so gather your friends, and celebrate your anticipated growth and transformation in this new year.
- Not everyone is able to fast (abstaining from food and drink for 25 hours), and here is a meditation for those unable to do so.