Yom Kippur is probably the most reverential and solemn festival in the Jewish calendar and is a time when Jews are given the chance to change God’s judgement of one’s deeds.The name of the holiday translates literally as ‘Day of Atonement’ and so this festival is a time when God’s people can atone for their sins and seek forgiveness. The festival is also a time for personal reflection and introspection.
One of the principle features of the holiday is 25 hours of prayer and fasting. Most of the day is spend in Synagogue services. Part of the service is formed by a public confession of sins. There is also a special, unique prayer which is devoted to the Kohn Gadol service at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
On Yom Kippur, the Kol Nidre is recited. This prayer allows the vows made between an individual and God to be renewed. Jews must also abstain from working, eating, drinking and having sex on Yom Kippur. White is quite often worn during Yom Kippur which signifies purity and humility before God.
Much of the festival is conducted in Synagogue, and as such this forms the heart of the festival. At nightfall, one last sound of the Shofar will be heard and Yom Kippur is concluded. Because this day is such a holy day, even more secular Jews are expected to attend Synagogue, though not all will fast during this time.
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Religion • July 12th, 2010 •