Reflections from
Bev Becker,
member, Jewish Heritage Group, DuPage UU Church
member, Jewish Heritage Group, DuPage UU Church
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom
Kippur is the most solemn and sacred day of the Jewish New Year. Sometimes
referred to as "The Days of Awe", the New Year for Jews begins with
Rosh Hashanah (this year that was at sundown on Sept. 13) and ends 10 days
later with Yom Kippur (this year at sundown on Sept. 2
A Clean Slate
What
is it that is so special about this holiday that causes some Jews to attend
services when they typically do not? In English, Yom Kippur is known as the Day
of Atonement. Traditionally, this is the day of fasting and repentance: the day
when, after ruthless self-examination, the person asks their god for
forgiveness of their misdeeds over the past year. They ask that their slate be
wiped clean so that they can start anew in the coming year. And, in infinite
mercy, lovingkindness, and patience their god complies.
Forgiveness
During
these ten days of introspection, we look at our relationships with others;
family, friends, neighbors and any others we may have wronged or mistreated and
we ask for their forgiveness. And we, if asked, are ready to forgive them and
perhaps reconcile. We ask them to forgive us and they ask us to forgive them.
Character
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Yom Kippur gives us a time to reflect on
the moral quality of our values and behavior, it is a chance to change
behaviors we are not proud of, and vow to be better people in the coming year.
It is a time to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, as well as a time to
consider reconciliation
Values, Actions
Yom
Kippur gives us a time to reflect on the moral quality of our values and
behavior, it is a chance to change behaviors we are not proud of, and vow to be
better people in the coming year. It is a time to forgive and to ask for
forgiveness, as well as a time to consider reconciliation. Yom Kippur marks a
"turning" point. A 'turning" from what was to what will be.
Thus, it is written on a new page in our personal book of life.
To Seal One’s Intentions
And
on Yom Kippur, our promise to ourselves to turn is "sealed" in the
Book of Life. Some believe that being "sealed" in the Book of Life
for the coming year determines their "fate". Others, like me, believe
that it is our intentions that are "sealed" or set on a new course,
and that how we treat others and ourselves and, subsequently, the character we
develop and possess takes place as a fluid process within our own control.
Renewal
In
reflecting on why Yom Kippur seems so meaningful to many of us, Jews and
non-Jews alike, I attribute that fondness to the concept of renewal, of the
ability to "set things straight" with ourselves and others. And, within
the Yom Kippur service, the time to remember those who are departed and our
promise to perpetuate and transmit everything that was beautiful and lovely in
the characters of these people. With all of that, as my mother-in-law would
have said, "What's not to like?!"
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