Yom Kippur: the meaning and traditions of one of the main Jewish holidays

Tonight, according to the Jewish calendar, the holiday of Yom Kippur will begin. Its name can be translated as the Day of Atonement or the Day of Judgment.

OBOZ.UA explains why Jews are not afraid of this holiday, which is considered one of the main holidays in their calendar. And also how it is customary to celebrate Yom Kippur.

What is the Jewish Day of Judgment?

In the Christian tradition, the concept of the Day of Judgment is associated with the end of the world. It is believed that on this day God will pass the final judgment on all the souls that once lived on this earth and send them either to heaven or hell for eternity.

This is not how Jews interpret the meaning of Yom Kippur. For them, the day when God judges people comes once a year – on the 10th day of the seventh month, which is called Tishrei. It is believed that during the 10 days before this, the Almighty decides the fate of people for the coming year. On the day of Rosh Hashanah, he opens the Book of Life and begins to write down the names of everyone who will celebrate the next holiday. Those who are not on the list will die within the next 12 months. Hence the traditional holiday wish: "May your name be written in the Book of Life and sealed."

When God finishes his work, the heavenly gates close, and the decision is considered final. On earth, the traditional Jewish musical instrument shofar is played at this time. It ends all the celebrations.

Traditions for the Yom Kippur holiday

According to the traditional countdown, the holiday lasts 25 hours – it begins in the evening of one day and ends the next. In 2024, Yom Kippur is celebrated on October 12-13.

In addition to wishing to be written in the Book of Life, Jews say to each other "gmar hatima tovah". This means "we wish to atone for our sins." Another name for the holiday is the Day of Purification, the Day of Forgiveness. On this day, it is customary to ask for forgiveness and forgive each other.

On the eve of the holiday, Jews gather for a hearty family dinner called Seuda Mafseket. And on the holiday itself, every married man lights a ner hai im candle at home, which should burn until the end of the holiday. It is imperative to remember your deceased relatives on Yom Kippur.

Prohibitions on Yom Kippur

The holiday is accompanied by a strict 25-hour fast. During this time, you cannot not only eat, but also drink, bathe, apply makeup, touch leather goods, including wearing leather shoes, and engage in intimate intimacy. This fast is so important to Jews that it is observed even by many Jews who do not practice religious rites.

In Israel, virtually all organizations and institutions close for Yom Kippur. All citizens must spend the day reflecting on the spiritual, atoning for their sins, and remembering the dead. Even foreigners and representatives of other religions are not welcome to violate the prohibitions, as this is such an important holiday.

The celebration ends with another dinner. Family members should gather around the table and greet each other with the phrase "here's to a year in Jerusalem." This is also a wish to be written in the Book of Life and preserve one's identity.

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