Two worshippers were killed and four injured in a vehicle‑ramming and stabbing attack on Yom Kippur at Manchester's Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, prompting a terrorist declaration and swift political condemnation.
When working with Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement observed with a 25‑hour fast, prayer, and confession. Also known as the Fast of the Day, it marks the climax of the High Holy Days, the ten‑day period that starts with Rosh Hashanah and ends with this solemn day. Yom Kippur encompasses intense self‑reflection, it requires a complete abstention from food and drink, and it influences how Jewish communities worldwide close the year. The day also connects to the Torah, because the liturgy draws directly from scriptural verses that explain atonement and renewal. In short, Yom Kippur is not just a fast; it’s a structured spiritual reset that ties personal guilt to collective memory.
One of the first things people notice about Yom Kippur is the practice of Jewish fasting, which differs from ordinary dieting because it has a religious purpose, not a health one. This fast is meant to quiet the body so the mind can focus on prayer, confession (known as Vidui), and repentance (Teshuvah). The fast begins at sunset the night before and ends after nightfall the next day, creating a 25‑hour window that many describe as a “spiritual marathon.” During this time, the community gathers for multiple services, including the haunting Kol Nekudot (the closing prayer) that punctuates the day’s intensity. The connection between fasting and the High Holy Days is clear: both periods push believers to evaluate their deeds, seek forgiveness, and aim for a fresh start.
Preparing for Yom Kippur also means turning to the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year that sets the tone for the entire season. Rosh Hashanah introduces the themes of judgment and mercy, and Yom Kippur resolves them by offering a chance for atonement. Many people study the Torah portion for the month of Elul – the weeks leading up to the holidays – to internalize the messages of repentance. Practical tips include drinking plenty of water the day before, eating a hearty, balanced meal (challah and protein are popular choices), and planning light activities after the fast ends to avoid shock. By aligning the fast, the prayers, and the Torah study, participants create a cohesive experience that honors tradition while addressing personal growth.
All these elements – the fast, the prayers, the link to Rosh Hashanah, and the Torah readings – form a web of practices that make Yom Kippur a distinct spiritual milestone. In the posts below you’ll find deeper dives into why the day matters, how different communities observe it, and what modern readers can learn from centuries‑old customs. Whether you’re new to the holiday or looking for fresh ways to deepen your observance, the articles ahead will give you practical insights and a broader understanding of this powerful day.