Monday 22 May 2017

All About The Day Of Atonement

By Patrick Peterson


This is a solemn day in the Hebrew calendar. It is a time for introspection and reflection in the Jewish Year. The Day of Atonement is mentioned in the bible and can be found in the book of Leviticus.

This is a time of fasting and adult Jews who have had their Barmitzvah and Batmitzvah are expected not to eat. A barmitzvah, for a boy, means that he has reached the age where he takes on all the commandments set out by the Torah. The same goes for a girl and this is when a girl has reached twelve years old and a boy thirteen years old.

This is a time of celebration unlike that of Yom Kippur which is the Hebrew equivalent for the the time of Atonement. Once children have reached this age they are expected to take on all the laws and duties of an adult Jew. Most parents prepare the child, once they have come of age, to try and fast which is a prerequisite for this solemn day.

Prior to their barmitzvah and batmitzvah, most Jewish parents prepare the child the year before of their coming of age to fast a little. They generally are coerced to fast at least until lunch time on the day. Unlike the adults who fast for a twenty six hour period.

The fast begins at sunset and continues to the following day until after sunset the following day. No eating or drinking is allowed. In fact nothing must pass the lips. So it is with this in mind that prior to the fast, a substantial meal is partaken of by most people.

Each to their own and some do not partake of a big meal but settle for boiled eggs. Others like to make sure their bellies are exploding and will eat a hearty meal. The fast is a lengthy one so most make sure they are prepared for it.

The date of this occasion in the Hebrew calender falls in the month of Tishri. More accurately it falls on the tenth day of this month. So it is written in the Bible or Old Testament and is based on the lunar calendar.

It is a time when everyone goes to Synagogue or Shul or Temple as it is known. It is a house of worship where one can pray and reflect on the year gone by. This holiday is also called the Day of Judgement when the entire world stands before G-d and is judged not only individually but also as a whole.

Good deeds and bad deeds are weighed up. It is also believed that the year ahead is sealed. Who will die and who will live and how much income each individual will received in the coming year ahead.

Different prayers are said on this day during the entire service. Yizkor falls into the morning service and it is a time of remembrance. A time to remember those that have passed on and prayers are said to elevate their souls. It is hoped and prayed for that the year ahead is a good one and full of blessings.




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