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.

Jews do not eat and are expected to fast if they are over the age of Barmitzvah and Batmitzvah. These two terms mean the following. A barmitzvah is when a boy becomes of age and the same goes for a batmitzvah for a girl. For a girl, she celebrates her batmitzvah at the age of twelve and a boy celebrates his barmitzvah at the age of thirteen.

A batmitzvah and barmitzvah are times of joyous celebration In essence this means that the boy and girl take on the duties and commandments of the Torah which is the Hebrew name of the Bible. They become adults at this time and are obligated not to eat. Just like an adult.

How they do this is to allow the child to fast, to not eat or drink, up until lunchtime. This is done prior to their coming of age whilst they are still eleven for a girl and twelve for a boy. All adult Jews fast on this day and it is about a twenty six hour fast.

In the Jewish calendar the fast begins at sunset and continues until evening the following day. Nothing is allowed to be consumed and nothing is allowed to enter the mouth. Because of this most eat a big meal prior to the event.

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.

Jews of all ages attend Synagogue, a house of worship and spend the most part of the day and previous night praying and reflecting on the year that has passed. It is also known as the Day of Judgement. This is when it is said that all the souls of the world are judged according to the year that has passed.

Everyone's deeds are judged on the so called scale of the Universe. The time ahead is also taken into account and it is sealed as to who will perish and live in the coming year and even how they will die. It is also believed that the year ahead is sealed as to how much money one will earn and what the year ahead will bring in general.

There are different parts to the Synagogue service throughout the day and Jews spend the whole day in Synagogue and follow the service. There is a section called Yizkor where those that have passed on are remembered. At the end of the day, the service concludes with the Neilah prayer when it is believed that the gates of heaven are open and a person has this time to pray for anything that he or she requires.




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