What is Yom Kippur? The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for Jews and one of the most serious and solemn. This year it falls between Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October. Known as the Day of Atonement, this holy day is a time for repentance and purification. It is a time when Jews refrain from eating, drinking, and doing any other form of pleasure for one day. In Jewish tradition, this fasting day is a time to be alone with God and with yourself to reflect on your past mistakes and to make amends for your present actions.
During the holiday, many synagogues hold special services to commemorate this holy day. These services involve readings from the Torah, prayers, and the blowing of the Shofar, a ritual musical instrument. The holiday is thought to have originated with Moses. However, it is not entirely clear when it started. In any case, a Yom Kippur service will usually last throughout the day. A shofar blast at the end of the service marks the end of Yom Kippur. For other Jewish celebrations, consider unique gifts like Bar Mitzvah Cards from a site like https://cazenovejudaica.com/uk
During the afternoon Yom Kippur service, the Book of Jonah is read. It reminds us of God’s forgiveness. The final portion of the service is called Ne’ilah. During this time, people pray intensely in hopes of entering God’s presence before the gates close. Yom Kippur is one of the most important religious dates in the Jewish faith.
