Yom Kippur

2024 - 10 - 11

Yom Kippur: A Day of Atonement in War-Torn Times!

Yom Kippur 2024 Community - Conflict - Day of Atonement - Forgiveness - Israel - Judaism - Peace - Selichot - Traditions - Yom Kippur - Yom Kippur 2024

Discover how Israel marks Yom Kippur amidst ongoing conflicts and the deeper significance of this sacred holiday!

As twilight settles on Israel this Friday, a unique sense of solemnity envelops the country as it observes Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. For the first time, this sacred occasion comes amid the backdrop of war, complicating traditional celebrations and prayers. In recent years, Israel's conflicts have entered a new phase, with constant rocket fire and threats of coordinated attacks. While the country shuts down for this holy day, residents are being urged to stay vigilant and adhere to special alert systems, making it a Yom Kippur unlike any other.

On this Day of Atonement, thousands will flock to synagogues not just to pray for forgiveness but to reflect on their lives in light of the ongoing complexities in their homeland. The echoes of the shofar—a ram’s horn traditionally blown during this time—will resonate at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, calling for penitential prayers and communal reflection. However, the reality of living in a war-zone adds a layer of urgency to the prayers, creating a unique juxtaposition between spiritual introspection and the harsh realities of life in Israel today.

Among the numerous customs of Yom Kippur, fasting takes center stage, as it acts as a physical manifestation of the spiritual cleansing sought after in prayer. Jews engage in a day-long fast that begins at sundown on Friday, emphasizing the importance of humility and atonement. The observance calls on individuals to reflect on their past actions—both sins and merit—seeking to emerge from the day renewed and cleansed of their spiritual debts, ready to greet the new year with a fresh start.

As the significance of Yom Kippur unfolds, some prominent Jewish voices are also reflecting on broader issues. Opinions range from calls for forgiveness to introspections on community and justice. Jewish leaders and family members are encouraged to engage in discussions about what it means to carry the weight of the past while pondering the future of their community. The day, rich in custom and reflective practice, becomes all the more essential as a means of communal healing in times of strife.

Did you know? The name 'Yom Kippur' translates to 'Day of Atonement' in Hebrew, and it's a day dedicated not just to fasting and prayer but to seeking forgiveness—not only from God but also from those we've wronged. Another interesting tidbit: In Israel, all public transportation stops during Yom Kippur, creating an eerie yet peaceful silence across the nation, highlighting the unique sanctity of this day.

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Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

Israel, on high alert, marks Yom Kippur amid war for first time since ... (The Times of Israel)

Israel shuts down for Holy Day, but residents urged to employ special alert systems in place amid constant rocket fire, threats of attacks; war-zone ...

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Image courtesy of "JNS.org"

This Yom Kippur … - JNS.org (JNS.org)

The blowing of the shofar as Jews arrive for Selichot penitential prayers at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem two days before Yom Kippur, Oct. 9, 2024. Photo ...

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Image courtesy of "CAMERA UK"

Yom Kippur (CAMERA UK)

CAMERA-UK is the UK division of Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA), the 65,000 member media-monitoring organization founded ...

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Image courtesy of "Israel Hayom"

Comprehensive guide for Yom Kippur 2024 (Israel Hayom)

This comprehensive guide provides essential information on fasting times, prayer schedules, and customs associated with the Day of Atonement, offering both ...

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Image courtesy of "AZCentral.com"

Yom Kippur starts Friday at sundown. Here's what to know about the ... (AZCentral.com)

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, begins at sundown on Friday. Here's what the Jewish holiday honors and how it is celebrated.

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Image courtesy of "The Jerusalem Post"

Dvar Torah by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz for Yom Kippur 2024 (The Jerusalem Post)

If we make a habit of displaying undeserved grace and kindness to others, including those who have committed wrongs against us, then we are guaranteed to ...

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Image courtesy of "Courier Journal"

When is Yom Kippur 2024? What to know about Judaism's holiest ... (Courier Journal)

The name of the holiday translates from Hebrew to English as the Day of Atonement, and Jewish people may spend the day fasting, attending synagogue or observing ...

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Image courtesy of "Jewish News"

Making sense of the sedra: Yom Kippur (Jewish News)

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Weekly Story: Why the Rebbe Came To Shul Late on Yom Kippur (CrownHeights.info)

by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon. As we begin the tenth year of posting this column, I take the opportunity to wish everyone a gmar chasima tova.

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

Opinion: As a rabbi, I'm atoning this Yom Kippur for my part in the ... (Los Angeles Times)

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Image courtesy of "Here And Now"

Rabbi reflects on what it means to be Jewish ahead of Yom Kippur ... (Here And Now)

Yom Kippur begins Friday night. It is Judaism's holiest day and many Jewish people fast and seek forgiveness. Here & Now's Jane Clayson speaks with Rabbi ...

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Image courtesy of "Forward"

If you're a Jew who has turned your back on Israel, Yom Kippur is ... (Forward)

For American Jews who have abandoned Israel, Yom Kippur is a perfect time to come back, writes Elisha Wiesel.

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Image courtesy of "Common Dreams"

As a Rabbi, I Am Praying With Protest This Day of Atonement (Common Dreams)

The famous rabbi, Abraham Joshua Heschel, was once asked by a journalist why he, as a religious leader, had come to a demonstration against the war in ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

How one woman is seeking atonement this year during Yom Kippur (NPR)

As Yom Kippur approaches, many Jews are engaging in self-reflection and a process of atonement. One woman shares her story of seeking repair.

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Image courtesy of "Forward"

Atoning during a war feels impossible. Instead, resolve to do better (Forward)

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Statement by Minister Khera on Yom Kippur (Canada.ca)

OTTAWA, October 11, 2024. Today, beginning at sunset, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, ...

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Image courtesy of "Prime Minister of Canada"

Statement by the Prime Minister on Yom Kippur (Prime Minister of Canada)

Tonight, at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will observe Yom Kippur.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Opinion: Yom Kippur reminds us life is fleeting. We must honor it ... (USA TODAY)

How do we celebrate the Jewish day of atonement? As Yom Kippur 2024 arrives, here's a step-by-step guide to repentance, hope and forgiveness.

Statement from Premier Pillai on Yom Kippur | Government of Yukon (Government of Yukon)

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: “This Friday at sunset, Jewish communities here in the Yukon, in Canada and around the world will ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC Southern California"

What to know about Yom Kippur and how it will be observed in Los ... (NBC Southern California)

NBC Universal, Inc. Rabbi David Baron speaks about what's planned for Yom Kippur at Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills. Macy Jenkins reports for Today in LA on ...

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Image courtesy of "New York Post"

We non-Jews us should follow the Yom Kippur tradition of asking for ... (New York Post)

On Friday evening, our Jewish neighbors begin their High Holy Day, Yom Kippur.

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Image courtesy of "Forward"

Forgiveness has its limits: a Yom Kippur reflection on justice (Forward)

What Jewish texts might say about this year's sins and sinners ... In the Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur is a day of reckoning – a time for reflection, repentance, ...

Statement from Speaker Adams on Yom Kippur (New York City Council)

“This evening at sundown, Jewish communities across New York City will begin to observe Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar year.

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Image courtesy of "Voice of America"

Israel observes Yom Kippur amid firestorm over Lebanon strikes (Voice of America)

Two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were hurt in the second such incident in two days, the UNIFIL mission said Friday. The military said Israeli soldiers had responded ...

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