Yom Kippur
- Gene Keener
- Sep 18, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2024
The ten days between Yom T’ru’ah (Rosh haShanah) and Yom Kipur are called Atseret y’mei teshuvah, the 10 Days of Repentance.
A proper greeting during this time is: hatimah tovah, or ‘May the final seal be good’.
Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:26-32
The ‘afflicting of your souls’ has been established as a complete fast of both food and water starting the 9th of Tishrei before sundown and continuing to the evening of the 11th. About 25 hours in total.
Mishnah Yoma 8.1 On the Day of Atonement, eating, drinking, washing, anointing (putting on makeup), putting on sandals (leather was a status symbol) and marital intercourse are forbidden.
There are allowances for pregnant mothers, the elderly, children under 9 years old, and those with medical need. Even if someone is overcome with hunger he is allowed to eat.
Washing for pleasure is forbidden. Washing to remove dirt or after ‘necessities,’ and bathing in the morning is permitted.
Work is forbidden. All the rules that apply to Shabat apply to Yom Kipur as Shabat Shabaton, or the Sabbath of Sabbaths.
It is normally forbidden to fast on Shabat because it would detract from the delight (oneg) of the Shabat. However, if Yom Kipur falls on a Shabat, it is still required to fast and ‘afflict the soul’.
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