Sunday 21 May 2017

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.

Jews do not eat and are expected to fast if they are over the age of Barmitzvah and Batmitzvah. These two terms mean the following. A barmitzvah is when a boy becomes of age and the same goes for a batmitzvah for a girl. For a girl, she celebrates her batmitzvah at the age of twelve and a boy celebrates his barmitzvah at the age of thirteen.

When children have reached the age of twelve and thirteen for a girl and boy respectively it is time to fast when this time of year comes round and it is Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is the Hebrew name given for this occasion. In the year prior to becoming a barmitzvah or batmitzvah, parents ensure that their children are ready to fast for the year to come and generally allow them to not eat up until lunchtime.

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.

Jews of all ages attend Synagogue, a house of worship and spend the most part of the day and previous night praying and reflecting on the year that has passed. It is also known as the Day of Judgement. This is when it is said that all the souls of the world are judged according to the year that has passed.

It is a time when deeds from the previous year are scrutinized and reflected upon. How to improve oneself and what more one can do to benefit the world as a whole. It is said that each person's fate is also sealed as to who will die and who will live.

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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