Continuing the Macaroni Kid series on major cultural holidays and traditions, a few days after Rosh Hoshanah is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, also called the Day of Atonement. This day along with Rosh Hoshanah are called the Jewish High Holidays. This year the holiday starts at sunset on Friday September 13, and into Saturday September 14, ending that night around dusk.
THE FESTIVE MEAL
In the early afternoon of the day Yom Kippur starts, families get together for the Pre-Yom Kippur meal. This is traditionally a festive holiday meal, replete with holiday foods, including round Challahs.
PARENTS' BLESSING
Prior to Yom Kippur, many Jewish parents will participate in a ceremony during which they bless their children to wish them a good and meaningful year. Placing their hands on the child's head, they will bless him or her, saying the blessing slowly and clearly so the child feels the parent's love. The parents say both a traditional blessing and also add their own hopes and wishes for the child and the upcoming year.
GIVE CHARITY
One of the traditions of the day before Yom Kippur is to give extra charity before the holiday.
MEMORIAL CANDLES ARE LIT
Some families light Yahrtzeit or Memorial candles to remember those who passed away. These special candles will burn through the night and the following day of the holiday and Fast Day.
HOLIDAY CANDLES ARE LIT & A BLESSING IS SAID AS THE FAST BEGINS
Just before sunset (before the beginning of Yom Kippur), women and girls light candles to welcome the holiday.
THE FAST & SERVICES
Once the candles are lit, adults begin their fast; they will not eat or drink until dusk the following day. It is traditional to dress in white, considered pure and angelic, and to not wear leather shoes. Leather shoes symbolize comforts, and by limiting physical comforts, it is clear they are serious about wanting to atone for any sins of the previous year.
Many Jews will participate in Yizkor, a memorial service, where they remember their departed parents.
CONCLUSION OF THE FAST
At the end of the Fast Day, there are prayers and blowing of the Shofar (ram's horn). A joyous feast is enjoyed together, either at home or together with the community at their synagogue.
Leah Lang is the Director of Education at the Gan Camarillo Preschool in Camarillo, CA. Sharon Rosenthal is Publisher of Macaroni Kid Camarillo-Oxnard-Ventura (CA).
