Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur translates as the Day of Atonement and is the holiest date in the Jewish calendar. The central themes of Yom Kippur are atonement and repentance. It recognises the sin of the Jewish people by worshipping a golden calf, months after departing Egypt. Moses ascended Mount Sinai and prayed for forgiveness.

Who celebrates?

Jewish people around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• It’s observed with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer
• It is regarded as the ’Sabbath of Sabbaths’ following a 10 day period of reflection
• Many people will, including secular Jews, will attend synagogue.

What should I know?

• Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days or sometimes ‘the Days of Awe’, which begin with Rosh Hashanah
• Sabbath or Shabbat is a time when no work or use of electricity is allowed
• In the 2011 census 271,259 people identified as Jewish in the UK.

How can I support others?

• Be aware that due to a number of holidays during September some Jewish colleagues may take extra holiday this month
• The traditional Yom Kippur greeting is ‘G’mar chatima tova’ or ‘May you be sealed in the Book of Life’ – this is because it is believed that one’s fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur
• Recognise that it is not a time of celebration but of reflection and repentance
• Do not assume that because someone is Jewish that they will be celebrating
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

History channel: Yom Kippur: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/yom-kippur-history

National Geographic: Yom Kppur traditions: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/reference/holidays/yom-kippur-history-traditions/

Yom Kippur recipes: https://www.thespruceeats.com/yom-kippur-foods-2122525