The Jewish Yom Kippur is an annual day in the Judaism observed by the Jewish community around the world. It is one of the holiest Jewish days in Judaism’s religious calendar. The Jewish Yom Kippur 2017 will celebrates this annual day of fasting by holding different prayer services.
Meaning of Yom Kippur
The word “Yom Kippur” means “to atone” or to make up for or compensate. Judaism asks the Jews to observe this day to seek forgiveness from their sins.
When do Jews observe Yom Kippur?
The holy book of Torah asks the Jews to observe it on the 10th day of the month of Tishrei. The Jews celebrate this day on first and second days of the month of Tishrei.
How do Jews observe Yom Kippur?
The Jews cannot perform the following actions when fasting on the day of Yom Kippur.
- They need to observe a fast and can only eat or drink in case of an urgent need.
- They cannot indulge in a connubial relationship as wife and husband.
- They cannot wash their bodies or apply creams or lotions.
- The Jews cannot wear leather shoes.
Five Prayer Services at Jewish Yom Kippur 2017
Here are the five prayer services that Jews will organize on Yom Kippur 2017.
Maariv
The Maariv prayer service is held on Yom Kippur eve. Marriv prayer service extends on the day of Yom Kippur with recitation from Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu.
Shacharit
Shacharit is a morning prayer which also includes reading from Leviticus. Afterwards, a memorial service takes place at Yizkor Memorial Service.
Musaf
It is yet another prayer service held at the Yom Kippur temple.
Minchah
Minchah is a service which contains readings from the Book of Jonah.
Neilah
Neilah is the end of the prayer service, followed by shofar blast to mark the end of the Yom Kippur fast.
Activities Jews Will Perform on Yom Kippur 2017
- Jews lit beautifully colored holiday candles on this big day.
- The elders bless the children after the conclusion of the second meal as a custom.
- There are special charity trays set up at synagogues to give away to the poor before the afternoon service.
- Some Jews also immerse at the ritual bathing pool to gain purity on this day.
- There are two ritual meals at Yom Kippur. The first meal is eaten in the afternoon before the fast and the other after the fast ends.
- Also, Jews customarily receive and give honey cakes. The idea is to bless each other with a sweet year ahead.
General Feeling at the Day of Yom Kippur
Although, Jews fast on this day and seek forgiveness. However, the general feel is that of joy with an expression of confidence and shared love for the community. They pray hard to seal the next year in their favor and pray for health, happiness, and life. After the celebration of Yom Kippur, the Jews start their next celebration Sukkah. Sukkah means building a hut
