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Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement

NEWS / 19 September 2014

Mrs. Walsh describes the meaning of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Yom KippurYom Kippur aka the Day of Atonement falls on the 10th day of the month in Tishray. This is the holiest day of the year for Jews. Jewish people take part in a 25 hour fast (no food or drink at all). The reason for this is to concentrate on our spiritual needs rather than our physical ones. There are exceptions for pregnant women, sickness, medication, etc., for they are not supposed to cause physical or mental harm to themselves. Many people wear sneakers or soft slippers throughout the day rather than leather shoes.

On this day Jews are meant to repent and pray. We read the story of Jonah and the Whale to teach us of repentance. After the final shofar blast in the Ne'ila service the whole congregation says "Next year in Jerusalem!"

After coming home from the synagogue, we have a big feast with our family and friends to break the fast. This is where we get the word breakfast from!

Mrs. Walsh

[Image: google.images.com]

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