Yom Kippur 2024

Yom Kippur begins at sunset, Friday, October 11, 2024 and ends on sundown on Saturday, October 12, 2024. It is called Shabbat Shabbaton and is the culmination of the fall feasts. Yom Kippur themes focus on fasting, repentance, taking inventory, asking forgiveness for wrongs, and commitment to be a better person. This holiday provides a picture of our redemption and the price that Yeshua paid for our sins. He paid the price for our atonement (at-one-ment) with God and sealed us with his Spirit (2 Cor 21-22). He our propitiation and High Priest (Heb 2:17). Jewish tradition holds that Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the sealing of God's verdict for the year. We understand it as a prophetic looking forward to what is to come, that the writing of God's verdict occurs during our entire lives, and the sealing of that verdict happens at death (Heb 9:27). Rev 20:11-12 states,

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

It is in this time we are grateful that we have the opportunity to obey the scriptures, and that Yeshua paid the price for our redemption in full. Without that no one has any hope (John 3:16, 14:21-24). This Yom Kippur let us remember our coming Day of Judgment, that our time is short, and the Day of the Lord is at hand.

Yom Kippur is primarily observed in the synagogue. Each messianic synagogue has customs that are different. Some have more traditions and liturgy, some have less. If your group is less traditional a good way to spend Yom Kippur is to do prayer walks around the city and pray for it (remind Satan of his future judgment). Also witnessing, sharing your testimony, or bible studies (discipleship) works well with the theme of the holidays. If you are more traditional, here are some of the major traditions that can be done in or out of the synagogue. Beginning on Erev Yom Kippur:

Mikvah (Baptism): Mikvah is performed in many communities signifying that we have become a new person due to our teshuvah (repentance). It is in Mikvah that many recite ritual prayers or state their consecrations for the year and dedication to a spiritual calling/office or revelation. The waters represent a time of transition, a passing through the heavens to behold our Creator and embrace his eternal plan and purpose for us. For the person of faith, the Day of Judgement is not a fearful thing, but an occasion of rejoicing and confidence. It is not a place of dread, but something we look forward to, where we enter into the kingdom of God as eternal heirs with Yeshua.

Meal with loved ones (in Hebrew it is called seudah ha-mafaseket- meal of separation): The Hamotzi blessing over the challah is recited (no Kiddush prayer,) and a late meal is eaten with loved ones before the fast of Yom Kippur. This is a good time for forgiveness (if repentance has been made).  After the meal, candles are lit and the Shehecheyanu blessing is recited along with the Half Kiddish and Shema. After the meal a 25 hour fast begins where we fast and focus on the spiritual side of our lives and make it our sole focus.

Kol Nidre is recited. Kol Nidre (All Vows), the undoing of broken vows and promises to God during the year. It is often sung and is available on the internet. This prayer highlights the importance of our words (Matt 12:36). This is also the name of the evening service of Erev Yom Kippur. In the Kol Nidre service the Viddui (confession) is recited. It is separated into two sections: Ashamanu and Al Chet and occurs just before Yom Kippur where worshipers recite a list of the sins that have been committed and gently beat themselves on the chest. Kol Nidre and Viddui (with simple forgiveness) can also be done at home after the Erev Yom Kippur meal.

On Yom Kippur:

• Greet others with the expression, “G’mar Hatima Tova” (which means may you be sealed in the Book of Life).

• Wear white to symbolize purity (some wear a white outfit called a Kittel). On this holiday the prayer shawl can be worn the entire time, even at night.

• Readings for Yom Kippur (From H4C.com): Shacharit (morning) Lev 16:1-34, Num 29:7-11, Isa 57:14-58:14, Rom 3:21-26, 2 Cor 5:10-21

• Yizkor: The remembrance of those who have passed on due to illness, natural death, those who have been lost to injustice, sacrificed themselves selflessly for others, or anyone meaningful whether they were known personally or not. Some people use this opportunity to visit the graves of loved ones or recite the names of people who contributed to society. A candle of memorial can be used to commemorate their memory and is lit for 24 hours. Mourners Kaddish is recited.

• Traditional Readings for Yom Kippur

• Tzedakah (Give to charity) on the day of Yom Kippur

• End the Holiday (the Neilah or closing service) with the sound of the shofar.