Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur Quick Facts - AU

AKA NameDay of Atonement
HashtagsCompiled on#YomKippur
Related Hashtags#Jewish
2023 Date24 September 2023
2024 Date12 October 2024

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Australian & Common Holidays
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Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. This significant observance is dedicated to atonement for sins, repentance, and the opportunity for divine forgiveness. Key aspects of the day include fasting, praying, and engaging in religious services, focused on personal reflection and spiritual growth.

The origins of Yom Kippur can be traced back to biblical times. According to Jewish tradition, it commemorates God's forgiveness after the Israelites' collective sin of worshipping a golden calf, following their exodus from Egypt. In Australia, Jewish communities honour this day with the same solemnity and reverence, maintaining its deep significance and its potential for spiritual renewal. For many Australian Jews, Yom Kippur offers a moment of pause amidst their busy lives, where they can concentrate on self-improvement, examine their relationships with others, and express regret for any wrongdoings.

Yom Kippur is observed in Australia with the same core elements as in any other country. This includes a 25-hour fast, from sundown until the appearance of the first stars the following evening, and attending religious services. Synagogues across Australia, such as those in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, hold special prayer services and readings from the Torah. In some urban centres, it is not uncommon for local authorities to close streets surrounding synagogues, allowing worshippers to congregate and celebrate in peace. Yom Kippur typically falls in September or October, but its exact date varies according to the Gregorian calendar, as it is determined by the Hebrew lunar calendar.

Yom Kippur facts

  • It is customary to eat a festive meal on the Eve of Yom Kippur with round challah bread, a meat meal and sustaining foods. One is not allowed to risk one's life and thus anyone in danger of life from fasting, including the young and sick are not allowed to fast. Yom Kippur is the only Jewish fast observed on a Sabbath, due to its importance.
  • Yom Kippur Liturgy in Orthodox and most Traditional communities includes Kol Nidre prayer in which Jews annul all their vows and Avinu Malkeinu, 'Our father our King'.
  • The Jewish tradition states that God inscribes each person's fate for the coming year into the Book of Life on Rosh Hashanah, and the verdict is sealed on Yom Kippur.
  • The first synagogue in Australia was built in Hobart, Tasmania in 1845, followed by the Great Synagogue in Sydney in 1878.
  • Rabbi Boas was an important figure in the development of the South Australian Jewish community. Under his leadership, Yom Kippur was taken particularly seriously, with many congregants spending the entire day in prayer.

Top things to do in Australia for Yom Kippur

  • Attend or watch a Yom Kippur service. You can watch a Yom Kippur service on Youtube.
  • Learn about the Yom Kippur war. You can watch a documentary on the Yom Kippur war on YouTube.
  • The end of Yom Kippur is often celebrated with a "break fast" meal, where people gather to share food and drink after sunset. You may wish to host your own break fast or join friends or family to partake in this communal meal.
  • You can always use the day to observe Yom Kippur through personal prayer, reflection, and self-forgiveness, regardless of the specific location.

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