Yom Kippur, the Jewish “Day of Atonement”, is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. No day, except the Sabbath, is more sacred than Yom Kippur. Jews seek to get closer to God and are given space to connect with their souls. This day embodies the themes of forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
The preparations for Yom Kippur start the night before, this year on Oct. 11, to enhance the spiritual and physical aspects of the holiday. To start, a meal is eaten amongst guests and family (think Thanksgiving but in October) to give sustenance as one prepares for the 25-hour fast which will start after the meal. Yom Kippur is nearly a week and a half after Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. These 10 days encompassing both holidays are referred to as the “Ten Days of Repentance” and give Jewish people a chance to make amends through acts of charity and kindness. Yom Kippur culminates in the final evening prayer service called “Ne’ilah,” which translates to “closing.” This service symbolizes the gates of heaven closing and prayers for God’s benevolence and mercy are often in these final moments. As tradition goes, when there are three visible stars in the sky, a ram’s horn is sounded to conclude the closing service and to signify the end of Yom Kippur and the fast. It is customary for communities and families to gather for a break–fast meal consisting of light foods to celebrate with joy, our faith in God’s forgiveness.
Yom Kippur is a day to shape one’s destiny for the next year. The day is historically significant as it commemorates Moses climbing down Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments or the Decalogue. This extends even more of a significance to committing to faith and spiritual cleaning. Yom Kippur is observed through refraining from technology and the 25-hour fast, where those observing often abstain from food, drink and any other pleasures to elevate our focus on the spirit and connection to the Divine. Additionally, it is tradition to wear white as a symbol of purity, the idea is to be somewhat angelic and associated with pure beings devoted to the service.
Yom Kippur Day is spent in prayer services in the synagogue, among the community, to foster personal and communal betterment. These observances are representative of recalling the greater mission of repairing the world, “Tikkun Olam,” which is a pillar of Judaism. The journey from the celebrations of Rosh Hashana—a time for new beginnings —leads to the arrival of Yom Kippur, the day to finalize the New Year’s resolutions and ensure a meaningful year ahead.
On a college campus, it is possible to observe Yom Kippur; however, most who observe Yom Kippur fully often go home, as that is more appropriate for the observance of this holiday. Some common practices are to mend relationships, apologize, wish loved ones a good year and ask for forgiveness from peers. It is a great time to make stronger connections with those most important to you.
At UConn, those interested can observe all of Yom Kippur starting on Friday, Oct. 11, through the resources on campus. From the meal before the fast to being one with the community, to the closing service and the break-fast, the options are available and open to all. Hillel and Chabad on Campus will be hosting dinner and services on Friday and on Saturday, there will be services and a break-fast. I wish all those who observe a good year, a meaningful fast and spiritual strength on this holy day.
Happy New Year to our Jewish UCONN community members!