All About The Day Of Atonement

By Patrick Peterson


This time of the year in the Hebrew calendar is a solemn occasion. The Day of Atonement is that part of the year to take stock of the year that has passed. It is found in the Bible in Leviticus.

Everyone fasts, does not eat for the duration of the day and night before. This is so for everyone unless they have not had their barmitzvah or batmitzvah. This means girls have to be over the age of twelve and boys over the age of thirteen.

This is a time of celebration unlike that of Yom Kippur which is the Hebrew equivalent for the the time of Atonement. Once children have reached this age they are expected to take on all the laws and duties of an adult Jew. Most parents prepare the child, once they have come of age, to try and fast which is a prerequisite for this solemn day.

Prior to their barmitzvah and batmitzvah, most Jewish parents prepare the child the year before of their coming of age to fast a little. They generally are coerced to fast at least until lunch time on the day. Unlike the adults who fast for a twenty six hour period.

The fast begins at sunset and continues to the following day until after sunset the following day. No eating or drinking is allowed. In fact nothing must pass the lips. So it is with this in mind that prior to the fast, a substantial meal is partaken of by most people.

Each to their own and some do not partake of a big meal but settle for boiled eggs. Others like to make sure their bellies are exploding and will eat a hearty meal. The fast is a lengthy one so most make sure they are prepared for it.

Tishri is the name of the month in the Hebrew Calendar whereon this fast day falls. More specifically it is the tenth day of this month. So with this in mind it falls on a different day each year based on the solar calendar.

It is a time when everyone goes to Synagogue or Shul or Temple as it is known. It is a house of worship where one can pray and reflect on the year gone by. This holiday is also called the Day of Judgement when the entire world stands before G-d and is judged not only individually but also as a whole.

Good deeds and bad deeds are weighed up. It is also believed that the year ahead is sealed. Who will die and who will live and how much income each individual will received in the coming year ahead.

There are different parts to the Synagogue service throughout the day and Jews spend the whole day in Synagogue and follow the service. There is a section called Yizkor where those that have passed on are remembered. At the end of the day, the service concludes with the Neilah prayer when it is believed that the gates of heaven are open and a person has this time to pray for anything that he or she requires.




About the Author: