lundi 22 mai 2017

About The Day Of Atonement

By Patrick Peterson


This is a solemn day in the Hebrew calendar. It is a time for introspection and reflection in the Jewish Year. The Day of Atonement is mentioned in the bible and can be found in the book of Leviticus.

Everyone fasts, does not eat for the duration of the day and night before. This is so for everyone unless they have not had their barmitzvah or batmitzvah. This means girls have to be over the age of twelve and boys over the age of thirteen.

This is a time of celebration unlike that of Yom Kippur which is the Hebrew equivalent for the the time of Atonement. Once children have reached this age they are expected to take on all the laws and duties of an adult Jew. Most parents prepare the child, once they have come of age, to try and fast which is a prerequisite for this solemn day.

Prior to their barmitzvah and batmitzvah, most Jewish parents prepare the child the year before of their coming of age to fast a little. They generally are coerced to fast at least until lunch time on the day. Unlike the adults who fast for a twenty six hour period.

The fast begins at sunset and continues to the following day until after sunset the following day. No eating or drinking is allowed. In fact nothing must pass the lips. So it is with this in mind that prior to the fast, a substantial meal is partaken of by most people.

Each to their own and some do not partake of a big meal but settle for boiled eggs. Others like to make sure their bellies are exploding and will eat a hearty meal. The fast is a lengthy one so most make sure they are prepared for it.

The date of this occasion in the Hebrew calender falls in the month of Tishri. More accurately it falls on the tenth day of this month. So it is written in the Bible or Old Testament and is based on the lunar calendar.

All Jews are required to attend a house of worship known as a Synagogue, Shul or Temple as some like to call it. They engross themselves with praying and reflecting on the year that has just passed. It is a time believed when all Jews including all nations of the world pass before G-d and are judged.

Good deeds and bad deeds are weighed up. It is also believed that the year ahead is sealed. Who will die and who will live and how much income each individual will received in the coming year ahead.

Different prayers are said on this day during the entire service. Yizkor falls into the morning service and it is a time of remembrance. A time to remember those that have passed on and prayers are said to elevate their souls. It is hoped and prayed for that the year ahead is a good one and full of blessings.




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