In This Biography

Understanding Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur: Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement.

Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year, a time of both celebration and deep personal reflection. It prompts Jews to evaluate their actions and seek for forgiveness for any wrongs done.

Following Rosh Hashana is Yom Kippur. Known as the Day of Atonement, it’s a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and forgiving others.

Both of these Jewish holidays emphasize on personal introspection and moral adjustment. They serve as a time to strive for self-improvement and work towards creating a better world.

Among the notable traditions, the blowing of the Shofar, or ram’s horn, in synagogues encourages individuals to examine their actions.

When is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the 10th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. In 2023, it will occur from sunset on Sunday, Sept. 24, until sundown on Monday, Sept. 25.

The history of Yom Kippur and its significance

In Judaism, Yom Kippur is when God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service.

According to tradition, the first Yom Kippur took place after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and arrival at Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Descending from the mountain, Moses discovered his people worshipping a golden calf and shattered the sacred tablets in anger. Because the Israelites atoned for their idolatry, God forgave their sins and offered Moses a second set of tablets.