Rosh Hashanah has passed, bringing with it the excitement of a new year, and now arrives the significant observance of Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement.
Yom Kippur is the most critical day in the Jewish calendar, providing an opportunity for seeking forgiveness. This day concludes the “10 Days of Awe,” a period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that offers a moment for Jews to engage in “teshuvah,” or repentance.
Reflecting on my childhood, I had a mixed feeling towards Yom Kippur. The lengthy services and fasting were challenging, but I valued the stillness it enforced. In my family, we often returned home after the main service, allowing time to pass slowly until sunset. We would discuss the sermon and look forward to the large muffins from Costco that were typically served at our community break fast.
In a world that increasingly lacks stillness, dedicating a day for solemn reflection seems especially vital this year.
Yom Kippur encourages us to embrace a spirit of generosity, with the belief that God recognizes our best qualities, and in turn, we can uncover them within ourselves. In the spirit of that generosity, I present a guide for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers.
First, consider the concept of mortality. Yom Kippur calls for an awareness of our tenuous hold on life, illustrated by a central reading, Unetaneh Tokef, which contemplates the various fates that could befall any worshiper in the coming year.
It serves as a reminder to acknowledge the fragility of life and to treat it with respect by living well. A fulfilling life, as depicted during Yom Kippur, is not based on indulgence but on acts of kindness: sharing wealth with those in need, being patient with friends during tough times, and assisting others whenever possible.
Next, Yom Kippur invites us to adopt a stance of humility. Rabbi David Wolpe from Sinai Temple in Los Angeles once remarked that life is unpredictable, and we never know what tomorrow may bring. This day allows us to step away from our pursuit of perpetual youth and realize that the future is never assured.
Asking for forgiveness is an act that demands humility. Yom Kippur is proactive; it prompts individuals to seek atonement, approach others sincerely for forgiveness, and perform good deeds without the expectation of immediate acknowledgment or reward.
Lastly, Yom Kippur is intertwined with the hope that arises alongside Rosh Hashanah. Reflecting on our past mistakes serves as a foundation for pursuing a better year ahead. This hope is not simply wishful thinking; it is a conscious effort informed by our understanding of our missteps.
As Yom Kippur concludes each year, this hope transforms into a commitment to enrich our lives, communities, and the world with positivity and goodness.