(Jewish Practices) Yom Kippur

Question 1

What is Yom Kippur?

Answer 1

The holiest and most important day in the Jewish Calendar. It is the last day of atonement and God seals the book of Judgement, so it is the last chance to repent for any sins.

Question 2

What is expected for Jews to do?

Answer 2

It is expected that Jews will have already mended relationships with other people in the days before Yom Kippur.

Question 3

Which part of the Torah describes how Yom Kippur must be observed?

Answer 3

Leviticus 16

Question 4

How is Yom Kippur observed in Britain today?

Answer 4

• No work is allowed
• Jews fast for 25 hours
• Bathing, wearing leather shoes and sexual intercourse are forbidden.
• Jews wear white as a symbol of purity
• Spend it in the Synagogue, where services are held throughout the day.
• The Ark is closed to symbolise that God’s judgement is sealed.
• The service ends with the blowing of the Ram’s horn to signal the end of fasting.