September 24th 2023.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for Jewish people across the world, coming 10 days after Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year. It is a time of reflection and repentance for the sins of the previous year, and is considered to be the most important day in the Jewish calendar.
The day involves a lengthy fast – abstaining from food and drink – as well as solemn reflection. This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday September 24 and ends at sundown on Monday September 25. According to the Chabad website, the fast begins in London at 6.40pm and ends at 7.39pm.
The blowing of the shofar – a curved musical horn, usually made from a ram’s horn – signals the end of the fast when it is sounded at the end of the final service in the synagogue. Most people will break their fast at home or with friends and family, although some synagogues may provide light refreshments after the service.
However, pregnant women or those who have given birth within a few days of Yom Kippur, children below Batmitzvah and Barmitzvah age, as well as anyone who has a medical condition which could be made worse by fasting, do not have to fast. In addition to the fasting, people also abstain from bathing, wearing leather and wearing perfumes or lotions, and any sexual activity is also banned for the day.
The day is spent in a synagogue with a special service called Kol Nidre taking place soon after the fast begins at sundown. This continues with synagogue services throughout the following day until the end of the fast.
Yom Kippur – which translates as ‘Day of Atonement’ – provides an opportunity to begin the new year with a clean slate, and for many people marks the start of preparations for Succot, the harvest festival which begins five days after Yom Kippur ends.
Will you be fasting for Yom Kippur? Share your views in the comments below.
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