The Importance Of Yom Kippur In The Jewish Faith Explained
By WILLIAM FISCHER
History - Religion
The 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — are when God judges all living things. Yom Kippur’s conclusive place makes it the holiest day in Judaism.
Yom Kippur began after Moses got the Ten Commandments atop Mount Sinai. After coming down, he saw his people worshiping a golden calf, a false idol, and he wrecked the tablets.
When Israel repented for its idolatry, God forgave their sin and replaced the stones of the Ten Commandments that Moses shattered in his wrath.
This event was said to be on the 10th day of the month of Tishrei, the first in the Jewish calendar, and so it became Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement.
Many Jewish people who don't observe other traditions still mark Yom Kippur. Synagogues plan for increased attendance on Yom Kippur, sometimes renting out additional space.
The day calls for introspection, spiritual renewal, and forgoing material distractions. Observers have a 25-hour fast, and abstain from sex, make-up, bathing, and leather shoes.
Five services are held from the evening before Yom Kippur to just before sunset on Yom Kippur, where the fast is ended with a feast of comfort food.
Yom Kippur isn't only about solemn prayer and atonement. Its services include songs, dances, and treats like blintzes, stuffed pancakes, and kugels (baked noodle pudding).