If you know someone who dreads the long Yom Kippur service, this insight might change everything.
Hi, I’m Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, founder of Jews for Judaism, speaking from Jerusalem.
When I was young, Yom Kippur often felt long and boring. But as my relationship with God grew, I came to understand why it is the holiest day of the year.
Preparation for Yom Kippur begins on Rosh Hashanah, when we proclaim Avinu Malkeinu—God is our Father and King.
The shofar blasts coronate God as King and evoke the emotions of a child yearning to be reunited with loving parents—a bond that is eternal.
Once we renew our connection with God, we are ready to ask for forgiveness on Yom Kippur.
Although we can do this any day, Yom Kippur is an especially auspicious time.
It is important to point out that God is loving, compassionate, and merciful. As the prophet Daniel said, in chapter 9:8, “We do not present our supplications before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your great mercy.”
Of course, we must also do our part. In addition to fasting, three spiritual tools help fortify our bond with God.
The first tool is Teshuvah which means “to return.” In other words, we repent by acknowledging our transgressions and resolving not to repeat them. Teshuvah is so transformative God says in Malachi 3:7, “Return to Me, and I will return to you.”
The second spiritual tool is prayer. The ability of heartfelt prayer to bring forgiveness is highlighted numerous times on Yom Kippur, when we recall God’s declaration in Numbers 14:20, “I have forgiven them according to your words.”
The third tool is charity, customarily increased right before Yom Kippur. Chairty is so powerful King Solomon proclaimed in Proverbs 10:2: “Charity saves from death.”
After our heartfelt efforts, we conclude Yom Kippur with a long shofar blast—a reminder that no matter our mistakes, a sincere cry is always accepted by God, who never forsakes His children.
May this Yom Kippur inspire and uplift you with God’s love, compassion, and forgiveness through repentance, prayer, and charity.
By the way, your pre-Yom Kippur charity can go to any worthy cause including supporting the life-saving counseling and education services of Jews for Judaism at jewsforjudaism.org/donate.
Thank you very much and have an easy fast and a meaningful Yom Kippur.
P.S. The satirical High Holiday illustration in this Insight was hand-painted by Julius Ciss, the director of Jews for Judaism Canada.
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