Yom Kippur, wey be de Day of Atonement, don start for Friday night, October 11, 2024, and go end for Saturday, October 12, 2024. Dis day be de most sacred day for Jewish people, and dem observe am through fasting, prayer, and deep self-reflection.
According to Rabbi Chana Leslie Glazer, interim rabbi at a congregation in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Yom Kippur be a special time to seek forgiveness. “If you genuinely express remorse and seek forgiveness, God will grant it—without exceptions,” she explain. But she also add say if you no reconcile with those you harm, dat forgiveness no go happen.
Many Jewish people take dis time to mend broken relationships. Dey compile list of those dem need to ask for forgiveness and those dem wish to apologize to. One way dem prepare for dis process be through selichot service, wey happen in de week before Rosh Hashanah, de Jewish New Year. Selichot mean “pardons,” and de service help people reflect on their shortcomings over de past year.
Nancy Piness, a Jewish woman, share her story of how she struggle to reach out to her long-time friend after dem have a rift. She say she avoid her friend’s street and hope not to see her at de grocery store. But as Yom Kippur approach, Piness decide to reach out to her friend through text message, asking about her well-being and suggesting dem meet in person. Her friend respond positively, and dem plan to meet soon.
In Israel, dis year’s Yom Kippur be special because it be de first time since 1973 dat de country mark de holiday amid war. Israel be on high alert, but de country still come to a virtual standstill as people observe de holy day.
