Yom Kippur

A Primer for Nonpractitioners

Overview "Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Part of the High Holidays, which also includes Rosh HaShanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is the moment in Jewish time when we dedicate our mind, body, and soul to reconciliation with our fellow human beings, ourselves, and God. As the [Jewish] New Year begins, we commit to self-reflection and inner change. As both seekers and givers of pardon, we turn first to those we have wronged, acknowledging our sins and the pain we have caused them. We are also commanded to forgive and to let go of any resentment we feel toward those who have committed offenses against us. Only then can we turn to God and ask for forgiveness. As we read in the Yom Kippur liturgy, “And for all these, God of forgiveness, forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement." [Source: Quote from ReformJudiasm.org]

Dates ​Autumn, the date varies.  In 2023, Yom Kippur begins on Sept 23 and finishes at sunset on Sept 25 in the United States.​ Focus Fasting: 25-hour fast to focus on repentance, purification, and spiritual health Prayer: a focus on synagogue and prayer Forgiveness: to ask others for their forgiveness for perceived wrongs in the days before Yom Kippur Common Customs​​ No bathing, lotions, makeup, deodorant, or touching Wearing white  Spending time in prayer/ synagogue Breaking the fast with family Hearing the call of the shofur Chanting Kol Nidrei three times during the services.   Learn More​​ Reform Movement and Yom Kippur Conservative Movement and Yom Kippur Orthodox Movement and Yom Kippur

• Jonah and the Big Fish

• The Story of Moses and (the second giving of) the Ten Commandments

Respectful engagement through a UU lens

UU Beliefs That Resonate with Yom Kippur

• ​Principle 2: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations

• Principle 3: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth

• Principle 5: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process

• UU Value: Transformation

• UU Value: Generosity

UU Connections​

• Learn about Jewish Unitarian Universalists.

• Unitarian Universalists for Jewish Awareness

• Jewish UU Readings On WorshipWeb

UU Deep Dive​

• How one Jewish UU practices Yom Kippur

• Unitarian Universalism and the B’nei Anusim Jews

• On Repentance and Repair by Danya Ruttenberg (UUA 2023 Common Read) ($)

This beautiful performance of Kol Nidrei was shared during the pandemic by Joel Chapman, the UU San Mateo music director, who was raised in the Jewish tradition. UUSM accompanist Paul Zawilski accompanied him.

Activities

These suggestions are intended for nonpractitioner UUs to learn from and appreciate this day. It is not meant to suggest what active practitioners would do, as they obviously have their own spiritual and cultural knowledge. It is also not meant to suggest that one is celebrating the holiday or its traditions by trying these activities. We should approach any exploration with respect and humility, looking for teaching moments shared by our friends and neighbors that show us wisdom and enrich our lives. 

Get to Know Your Neighbors Better

Learn more about the synagogues in your community. Practice the greeting for Yom Kippur: "shana tova" (shaw-na' toe-va') with emphasis on the second syllables.

Embrace the Spiritual Lesson of Repentance

A key lesson we can all learn is to embrace repentance and forgiveness. Email people you wish to apologize to for real or perceived harm. 

Wishes for a Sweet Year

It is traditional to ask for a piece of honey cake (lekach) from a rabbi, parent, or mentor the evening before Yom Kippur. It symbolizes hope for a sweet year. Discuss foods you associate with holidays with your family and friends, and/or talk about what hope for a sweet year would look like. You might try making a favorite cake or offer a snack of apples and honey, which are traditional foods during Rosh Hashanah. What do you appreciate about these culinary customs? What do you appreciate about choosing to start a new year with hope?