The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is the one of the holiest days on the Jewish
calendar, is a day where Jews reflect on the past
year and atone for their sins. The Day of Atonement begins at sundown on Oct. 3
and continues until nightfall on Oct. 4 2014, or 10 Tishrei
5775, according to the Hebrew calendar.
Synagogue attendance peaks during the High
Holiday, when Jews seek forgiveness for sins
committed between man and God and pledge to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the new year. For those who are unfamiliar with the important
Jewish holiday, below are five answers to common
questions surrounding Yom Kippur:

1. What does Yom Kippur mean?
Yom Kippur literally means “Day of Atonement.” It is a day devoted to “afflicting the soul,” repentence
and reflections on sins committed in the past year.
It marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe that
began on the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah
-- a period of serious introspection. Yom Kippur is outlined in Numbers 29: 7-11 and in
Leviticus 16:30, which reads, “For on this day He
will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed
from all your sins before God.” According to
tradition, God decides each person’s fate,
encouraging those to repent.

2. What greeting do you say?
A customary greeting on Yom Kippur includes
wishing individuals an “easy fast,” Gmar Chatimah Tovah (may you be sealed in the Book of Life for a
good year) and L’Shanah Tovah (for a good year)
in Hebrew.

3. How is Yom Kippur observed?
Jews mark the sacred and solemn day in multiple
ways. The day is characterized by fasting,
continuous prayer and repentance. The Talmud, a
collection of rabbinical law, also outlines other restrictions including refraining from washing and bathing, putting on makeup or perfume, wearing
leather shoes and having sex. Many wear white as
a sign of purity and canvas shoes during the day.
Charity is another important part of the holiday. In
the days preceding Yom Kippur, Jews make
donations or volunteer as a way to atone for their sins.

4. Why fast?
Fasting is one of three essential components of Yom
Kippur. The practice comes from Leviticus 23:27
that describes "afflicting your souls," which is
interpreted as abstaining from the body’s main
needs, including food and drink. It is seen as an “an expression of pure faith in God” and a way to cleanse the body and spirit. Jews fast for 25 hours beginning before sunset on
the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after
nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. Food and drink
are prohibited, but children under 13 and people
who are ill or pregnant do not have to fast. At the
end of the fast, families typically gather for a meal that consist of breakfast-like foods like blintzes,
noodle pudding and baked goods.

5. What kind of synagogue services take place?
Spending time in synagogue is one of the most
important parts of Yom Kippur. Services take place
continuously throughout the day and include
special liturgical texts, songs and customs. The
prayer book used on Yom Kippur, called a mahzor,
means “cycle" since the calendar repeats its cycle each year. Over the course of the day, there are five distinct
prayer services: Kol Nidrei, Shacharit, Musaf,
Minchah and Neilah. The shofar, a trumpet made
from ram’s horn, is blown in a single long blast
during the final service to signify the end of the fast.