Yom Kippur

This is the Big One...Yom Kippur.
PLUS, Insider Tips For An Easy Fast!

Tonight starts the second of the High Holidays, Yom Kippur. Growing up my brothers and I referred to this day as “The Kip”, but looking back I feel a little guilty about using slang on what is known as the highest and most solemn day of the Jewish year. If your synagogue attendance is at all spotty – tonight, Kol Nidre and tomorrow are the times to show up in your spot as this is when the “final verdict is made for each human life for the coming year.”

Yom Kippur falls ten days after Rosh Hashana. It is the culmination of ten days marked by increased levels of self-examination, awareness, prayer, good deeds, charity, and seeking forgiveness. It is common during these ten days to actively seek out those you may have harmed knowingly or even inadvertently during the previous year.

While Yom Kippur, translates to the Day of Atonement and is considered the holiest day it is also one of the most joyous, in that it affords one the opportunity to rectify past wrongs and approach the future with a squeaky clean slate. Some wear white as a symbol of purity. Some even stay awake all night; others hold back and refrain from all unnecessary speech.

With the spotlight on spiritual pursuits, the day of Yom Kippur, is designed to reduce physical needs by prohibiting eating and drinking and for those more devout, bathing, anointing (applying creams and lotions), sexual relations and wearing leather shoes. Following a Bar or Bat Mitzvah one is encouraged to fast, unless health is a risk.

Modern observances of Yom Kippur include fasting for one day (from dusk to dusk), abstinence from work and physical appetites, in honor of the gravity of this holiest of days. What you eat before the fast should be low in salt, so you don’t get thirsty. No labor of any kind is permitted.

This Evening

The service begins with prayers called Kol Nidre, which loosely translates to "all my vows." This prayer asks for the annulment of all promises that were unable to be kept, as recognition of human weakness. The Kol Nidre is chanted in a serious and moving song.

The entire congregation says prayers together, rather than individually, because all of Israel is responsible as one. For this reason congregants "confess" sins they may not themselves have committed. Yom Kippur is all about confession and repentance, and is the final settling of personal and social accounts with God for one year.

The Afternoon Service

The book of Jonah is read. This is a story of repentance and forgiveness.

The Final Service

Is the Neilah. A plea is made to God to forgive sins, and give life for the next year. The service closes with one blast on the Shofar, so the Yom Kippur ends just as it began.

Insider Tips for an Easy Fast

One of the most well known observances of Yom Kippur is fasting. The purpose of this is to "afflict the soul," as a means of repenting. For some, fasting is a breeze for others; it is more of a challenge. A common and traditional greeting on Yom Kippur is "Have an easy fast," which reflects the idea that there’s no need to make your fast any more difficult than it needs to be.

Here’s how:

Tonight’s Meal

One should choose his/her last meal before Yom Kippur carefully.

1. Don't, I repeat DON’T Overeat
Some people think that they can "make up for" not eating on Yom Kippur by having a big meal the night before. Not a good idea in fact, it may make it more difficult to fast. Go ahead and enjoy a normal sized meal - although it seems strange, eating a large meal may make you more hungry than usual in the morning.

2. Eat Easily Digestible Foods
Don't eat anything that’s likely to give you heartburn or leave you with a dissatisfied feeling. Try to think of things to eat that don't leave you feeling hungry in the morning.

3. Go for Plenty of Protein and Carbohydrates
These are foods that will give you all the energy you need for the next day.

Tomorrow, During Yom Kippur There are several things you can do to make your fast more pleasurable.

1. Go to Synagogue
Although you're supposed to be there repenting & praying anyway, going to Synagogue may actually make it easier to fast. Being away from everyday temptations in a room with other people who are also fasting may make it easier for you.

2. Don't Talk About Food
Chatting about your appetite will only make the fast more difficult by focusing your attention on it. Do your best to avoid talking or thinking about what you’re going to eat once the fast is over. When you think about food, your body preps itself to receive it and this causes the feeling of hunger. Avoid being around those who are talking about their next meal and food in general.

3. Take Advantage of an Afternoon Nap
During the break between services, it is more or less traditional to take a little siesta. You’re likely to feel full when you wake from an afternoon nap.

4. Sniff Spices
I was surprised when I heard that sniffing spices (cinnamon and cloves) can ease hunger – so if you’re struggling go ahead and take a whiff or two, breathe easy and repeat until sundown!

Best Wishes and Have an Easy Fast!

Loren Greiff

Yom Kippur

This is the Big One...Yom Kippur. PLUS, Insider Tips For An Easy Fast!

This is the Big One...Yom Kippur.
PLUS, Insider Tips For An Easy Fast!