The holiest day of the year in Judaism is called Yom Kippur.There is a lot of joy and communal festivities on the day after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.The Gregorian calendar has a change in the date of Yom Kippur every year.Before, during, and after the day itself, there are many customs and rituals involved in celebrating Yom Kippur.You can celebrate this Jewish holiday if you know what traditional practices are.
Step 1: During the 10 days of repentance, pray to God.
The 10 Day of Repentance is a time when you can ask God to forgive your sins.This time period is important for asking forgiveness from God.Acknowledgement of your wrongdoing is the first step in redemption.During your prayers, acknowledge and admit to your sins.During synagogue services, Jews conduct prayers 3 times a day, in the morning, afternoon, and evening.During the 10 days of repentance, many temples will hold additional services.During this time, spend some time reading and studying the Torah.
Step 2: Ask for forgiveness from people who have hurt you.
During the holiest day of the year, repentance involves acknowledging wrongs that you have committed, reaching out to people you owe an apology to, and begging forgiveness.Forgiveness is a way of letting go of past grudges.If the other person still holds feelings of resentment after you've apologized, then it's up to God.If you have hurt someone, be honest about what you did and how you feel about it.You should be equally sincere in your apologies.
Step 3: You can be free of sin if you donate to charity.
You can give to charity or your synagogue.Your sins are ritually transferred to whatever you give, meaning that the act of donating renders you free of your sins.Many people donate their time instead of donating money if it isn't plausible for them.If you can, volunteer at your local soup kitchen.
Step 4: The tashlich ritual should be performed.
A person throwing bread crumbs into the sea or a large body of water is called a tachlich.Throwing bread crumbs into the sea is a way of symbolically casting away your sins.If you don't do the ritual on the actual day of Yom Kippur, you can do it any time before.The tashlich ritual can use pebbles instead of bread crumbs.
Step 5: Light holiday candles and eat festive meals the day before Yom Kippur.
The day before Yom Kippur is set aside for eating 2 large, festive meals with family in the afternoon and evening.At the conclusion of the second meal, have women in the family light candles.You should light your holiday candles on this day because it is the start of Yom Kippur.The head of the household can light the candles if there are no women in the house.Many Jews eat a meal of vegetable soup, chicken, and potatoes for lunch.Eggs and whole wheat bagels are some of the dishes that practitioners eat for dinner.
Step 6: White is a symbol of purity.
Some Jewish men wear a kittel, a white robe in which the dead are traditionally buried, and any white clothes will do.White is a symbol of purity and spiritual cleansing, so it is an appropriate color for the occasion.If you wear clothes that conflict with any of the customary restrictions, you should not.Many Jewish men wear a prayer shawl during the holiest day of the year.
Step 7: The customary restrictions are practiced.
Jewish people observe certain lifestyle restrictions during the high holy days of Yom Kippur.Abstinence from applying oils or perfumes to the body, bathing, wearing leather, engaging in sexual activities, and eating and drinking are included.These restrictions are known as "afflicting the soul" and are meant to encourage repentance and humility.Children and sick people who may suffer serious harm from engaging in these restrictions are not encouraged to perform them.
Step 8: Don't do work so you can devote your day to prayer.
The rule against working on the Sabbath also applies during this holiest day of the year.Instead, spend this time praying at a temple or synagogue.The Shofar horn is an exception to the prohibition on work during Yom Kippur.
Step 9: There are 5 prayer services in the synagogue.
The most popular day to attend a temple is on Yom Kippur.Most temples hold 5 prayer services during this day, where practitioners can go for congregation-wide prayer and community.The Neilah service is held at sunset and commemorates the end of Yom Kippur.
Step 10: You can break your fast with a meal.
bagels, souffles, sweet kugel, eggs, and cheese are some of the rich foods served at the end of Yom Kippur.People prefer dairy-based dishes because they are easier to digest on an empty stomach.Bagels with cream cheese and lox are an American and Israeli favorite, but Sephardic Jews tend to eat cakes and sweet blintzes.