Rosh Hashanah has concluded, ushering in a period of reflection marked by Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur provides an opportunity for individuals to seek forgiveness and reflects on past actions. It brings an end to the “10 Days of Awe,” which offer a brief opportunity for repentance, or teshuvah, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
As a child, I held a mixed sentiment about Yom Kippur. While the lengthy services and fasting were challenging, I appreciated the stillness it demanded. My family typically returned home after the main service, spending the day in quiet anticipation of the break fast, often enjoying large Costco muffins together.
This year, amidst a world that seems increasingly chaotic, the time for solemn reflection feels especially significant.
Yom Kippur encourages a spirit of generosity, reminding us to recognize the best parts of ourselves and strive to uncover them. In this spirit, I offer some thoughts for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences on how to approach atonement.
Recognizing mortality is essential on Yom Kippur. A central reading of the holiday, Unetaneh Tokef, confronts worshippers with the reality of how quickly life can change. It serves as a poignant reminder to treat life as valuable, emphasizing that living well involves understanding our vulnerabilities.
The essence of a good life, as portrayed during Yom Kippur, lies not in self-indulgence but in showing kindness: sharing wealth with those in dire need, exhibiting patience to friends facing hardships, and lending a hand to those rushing to catch a train.
Rabbi David Wolpe from Sinai Temple in Los Angeles once noted the unpredictability of life, stating, “We all live with a gun to our head, and no one knows when it’s going to go off.” Yom Kippur invites us to set aside our pursuit of eternal youth and accept that tomorrow is never promised, regardless of how we strive for control.
Seeking forgiveness also embodies humility. This holiday is an active endeavor, requiring individuals to engage with others in sincere apologies without expectations of reciprocation. True goodness, then, must thrive independently of any anticipated acknowledgment.
Additionally, Yom Kippur runs parallel to Rosh Hashanah for a reason. We reflect on personal and collective shortfalls to pave the way for a better future. This reflection encourages hope that is grounded in the recognition of past mistakes, transforming it into a realistic endeavor.
Each year, as Yom Kippur draws to a close, the hope we cultivate is a sober acknowledgment of the challenges ahead and a commitment to filling our lives and communities with goodness.