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What is Yom Kippur?

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Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the happiest day of the Jewish calendar. It is the day of forgiveness, where God forgives sins.

A day of forgiveness

A day of forgiveness

  • Yom Kippur allows a Jew to start again each year.
  • It is celebrated with a 25 hour fast.
    • Most of the day is spent in prayer in the synagogue.
    • Prayers focus on confessing personal sins and those of the community.
  • Jews believe only God can forgive a sin committed against Him.
    • If a Jew has wronged another Jew they must confess to God and ask for forgiveness.
Preparing for Yom Kippur

Preparing for Yom Kippur

  • During the prayers the community read a detailed description of the magnificent service that used to be held in the Temple on this day.
  • Jews also do not wear leather shoes or wash.
    • These activities focus on the physical comfort of the body and this day is all about perfecting and improving the relationship with God.
  • In preparation for this holy day Jews will wash and eat a big meal beforehand.
The origin of Yom Kippur

The origin of Yom Kippur

  • The details of the Temple service are described in the third book of the Torah and in the Talmud.
  • The origin story of Yom Kippur is the day Moses came down Mount Sinai the final time after God forgave the people for worshipping the Golden Calf.
  • The 10th day of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar became the national day of forgiveness.
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Year 7

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Origins of Abrahamic Faith

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Year 9

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