Yom Kippur (October 2), the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year. It concludes the Ten Days of Awe, which begin with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Together, these days call for honest reflection—looking back in repentance for past sins and looking ahead to a new year cleansed and renewed.

We hear of  the Day of Atonement in Leviticus (16:29), underscoring its profound importance. On this day, both the high priest and the people had roles to play. The priest performed sacrifices of atonement while the people refrained from work and humbled themselves before the Lord.

Leviticus 16 outlines the high priest’s unique responsibilities. Clothed in white linen as a sign of purity, he would enter the Holy of Holies with offerings: a bull for his household and a goat for the sins of the people. A second goat—the scapegoat—was symbolically burdened with the sins of Israel and sent into the wilderness, signifying removal of guilt and cleansing of the community.

Even today, observant Jews prepare for Yom Kippur by spending the Ten Days of Awe seeking reconciliation with others. The belief is clear: one must be right with one’s neighbor in order to be right with God. This reflects the commandments to love God wholeheartedly (Deuteronomy 6:5) and to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18)—commandments Jesus also affirmed again in Mark 12:30–31.

Traditions include sharing a meal before the fast begins, lighting memorial candles for deceased parents, and observing a 25-hour period of fasting and abstinence. According to Jewish law, this “self-denial” includes refraining from eating, drinking, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. These practices create space for prayer, repentance, and deep dependence on God’s mercy.

At its heart, Yom Kippur is a day of humility and hope—an invitation to turn from sin, repair relationships, and seek forgiveness from the God who cleanses His people.

HOW TO PRAY FOR DURING THIS HOLIDAY:

Pray that Jewish people observing Yom Kippur would experience God’s presence in a profound and personal way.

Pray that as they seek forgiveness and renewal, they would encounter the fullness of God’s mercy and grace.

Pray for peace and reconciliation within families and communities during this sacred season.

Pray that Jewish people seeking forgiveness and peace with God would encounter the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, our Messiah.

Pray for softened hearts to recognize God’s everlasting covenant love and His provision of redemption through Jesus.

Pray that Jewish families and communities would experience the presence of God in a personal and transformative way.

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
… bright, powdered pigments that are a trademark of this festival… LEARN MORE