Interpreting Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, often referred to as "Day of Atonement" is a very important part of the Jewish experience. It is during this holiday in which sabbath is held on any other day but Sunday. While many individuals often associate this with rites of passage and several other religious ideologies, the history and meaning of Yom Kippur is not based around this concept. In fact, Yom Kippur focuses on repentance, abstinence, and other measures of denying pleasure to the individual self. Although this may seem unusual or similar to punishment for those who are not familiar with this Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur is far from an unhappy event and is considered to be one of the holiest holidays.

Yom Kippur is a time of happiness and forgiveness of the prior years sins. The eve before this holiday is also celebrated and is generally spent feasting. While some theologists may argue this, it has been said that feasting prior to this event is to help maintain one's strength throughout Yom Kippur. This is because the day is spent fasting and praying. In addition to abstaining from food and drink, sexual intercourse, anointing with oil, bathing, and the wearing of leather shoes is also prohibited. These things are all considered to be self pleasing and are not allowed while the individual is repenting his or her sins.

Seeking repentance from G-d, is not the only theme centered around the meaning of Yom Kippur. It is believed that while promises or vows broken to G-d can be forgiven, that the creator can not forgive the sins in which were done unto others. For this reason, an equally important part of this holiday is to seek forgiveness from those in which we have committed any wrong doing against. However, this is done the eve of the holiday throughout the community.

The history of Yom Kippur is somewhat a long one. The holiday itself was first recognized in Leviticus 23:27 and the importance has evolved over the years. In this scripture, Yom Kippur is described in terms of rites and passages carried out by the priests. It then went on to become even further symbolic in the Jewish faith. Held on the 10^th day of Tishrei, approximately 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is as strong as ever and represents not only forgiveness, but a day of cleansing and reflection throughout the Jewish world.

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