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Fasting on Yom Kippur enables individuals to transcend the physical and focus on matters of the spirit. Yom Kippur, the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is a day when Jews feel closest to God and atone for their sins.
What is the purpose of the Yom Kippur fast?
The purpose of Yom Kippur is to effect individual and collective purification by the practice of forgiveness of the sins of others and by sincere repentance for one’s own sins against God. Yom Kippur is marked by abstention from food, drink, and sex.
Is it OK not to fast on Yom Kippur?
For many Jewish elders, fasting on Yom Kippur is a religious and cultural imperative as well as a life-long tradition. In fact, many seniors who may not be traditional in other ways continue the practice of abstaining from all food on this holiest day of the Jewish year, the Day of Atonement.
Why do we fast for 25 hours on Yom Kippur?
The fast lasts for 25 hours, rather than the typical 24 of a full day. The 25-hour observance on Yom Kippur allows a cushion of time for the subjectivity of “nightfall” as a moment in time, Chabad says. Those familiar with the Jewish faith may know that Shabbat, or the sabbath, lasts for 25 hours, too.
At what age can you stop fasting for Yom Kippur?
Fasting on Yom Kippur is a biblical obligation for men and women generally over the age of 12 and 13 unless there are serious health issues involved, said Rabbi Mordechai Einbinder of Chabad of the Valley Headquarters, part of the international Jewish outreach organization led by Orthodox Hasidic rabbis.
What are the rules for fasting on Yom Kippur?
Adults begin fasting at sundown the night before Yom Kippur and continue until one hour after sunset on Yom Kippur. So, this year, the fast will go from tonight until Saturday evening, lasting 25 hours in total. “Yom Kippur can only be one day. You’re not looking to extend Yom Kippur,” Rabbi Hain says.
Can you shower on Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is considered the “Sabbath of all Sabbaths” because, not only is it a day of complete rest (no work, no driving, etc.) but it’s a day of fasting and other restrictions: no washing or bathing, no perfumes or deodorants, no wearing leather shoes, and no sex.
How do you explain Yom Kippur to a child?
In English, Yom Kippur is known as the Day of Atonement. The holiday’s purpose is to purify the individual and community. On Yom Kippur Jews are forgiven for their sins against God. They also ask for forgiveness from people they have wronged.
What happens if you work on Yom Kippur?
Jewish law requires a halt to work on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana, which are not legal days off. Religious strictures on working are generally looser for Christians on Christmas. Yet Christmas is a legal holiday. ”Christmas and New Year’s and Easter were times when many Jews would hide in basements,” he said.
Can I brush my teeth on Yom Kippur?
When the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Tuesday, Sept. 18, so will traditional fasting. Those observing will commence their 25-hour fast until nightfall on Wednesday, all forms of sustenance are prohibited, including water. Not just a glass of water but the water you use to brush your teeth.
What does the Bible say about Yom Kippur?
General observances. Leviticus 16:29 mandates establishment of this holy day on the tenth day of the seventh month as the day of atonement for sins. It calls it the Sabbath of Sabbaths and a day upon which one must afflict one’s soul. Leviticus 23:27 decrees that Yom Kippur is a strict day of rest.
What is the best thing to say to someone for Yom Kippur?
The best greeting to give to someone observing Yom Kippur in English is “have an easy fast.” For those who are not fasting, but are observing the Yom Kippur, you can wish them a “Good Yuntif,” or “Yom Tov,” which are Yiddish and Hebrew, respectively, for “Have a good holy day.”Sep 28, 2017.
Can you wear deodorant on Yom Kippur?
Although some maintain that it is permissible to put on aerosol deodorants on Yom Kippur, one should avoid doing so by applying a good deodorant on Erev-Yom Kippur. One cannot apply perfume or cologne on Yom Kippur, even according to Poskim who may allow it on Shabbos.
Why do we not eat on Yom Kippur?
After a special meal before sundown, adult Jews do not eat or drink again until after sunset the next day. Jewish adults fast on Yom Kippur for many different reasons, but the main idea is that by removing all distractions (such as eating) we are better able to focus on prayer.
Can you wear makeup on Yom Kippur?
People celebrating Yom Kippur can’t eat, shower, wear leather shoes, or makeup.
Can you sleep on Yom Kippur?
Don’t let the high priest sleep If the high priest has a wet dream the night before Yom Kippur, he can’t lead the Day of Atonement rites and all of Israel will be damned. That is why, as the Talmud tells us, he may not sleep the night before.
What can you not wear on Yom Kippur?
Not wearing leather Leather is avoided during Yom Kippur as to make leather requires the death of a living creature. During a time of fervent repentance, it is not appropriate to wear something that has had to come from the death of a living being. Often for Yom Kippur canvas shoes or rubber shoes are worn.
