We have different celebrations that we highly esteem and remember,
especially if has something to do with religious events. Since the month
of October is coming, Jews are looking forward to their most sacred and
important holiday, which falls between October 07-08, which is known as
Yom Kippur or better known as an Atonement Day. To those Christians who
believe in Jesus Christ and the mission that he performed here on
earth, they would recognize and hallow this sacred day. It is a serious
reflection of the sins that they have made a day to atone themselves. It
is associated to the Sabbath Day observance found in the Ten
Commandments and the Law of Moses. Hence, to give us a better and
clearer understanding, here are 10 traditions that they do observe when
this event comes.
10. Refrain from Working
Since this is based on the 7th day of the week, which is canonically
recorded as sacred and treated by the Lord himself as His day, everyone
is encouraged to make serious reflections of the sins they have done and
committed. They must find ways to seek forgiveness or make amends on
the wrong doings committed to others. No one is allowed to work but
devote it in remembering Him and His ultimate sacrifice.
9. Leather Shoes are prohibited
Wearing of leather shoes and even other shoes, which are made out of
animal skin, must be avoided since ancient Jewish people traditionally
wore canvas sneakers, which symbolizes purity and humility. Most of the
people during this time wear leather or plastic.
8. Bathing or Washing Is Not Allowed
This is a part of the Talmud’s instruction where most of its
directions are found in the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. The
idea here is in the act of doing it, if the intention is to get pleasure
out of it that definitely opposes the sanctity of the whole event. The
intention of doing it is identified. If you want it because you want to
clean yourself, it is called cleansing and not bathing, which is
permitted. but if it is the other way around, which is to cause
excitement and pleasure, it should be avoided.
7. Abstaining from Usage of Perfumes/Lotions
This is considered part of human pleasures that must be avoided by
anyone who is observing this event. It also includes applying lotion on
the skin, deodorant, and even other cosmetics. These things signify
worldliness and invites pleasure. When people are participating and
doing this activity early in history, death is the capital punishment
for breaking this tradition.
6. No Marital Relations
Giving of oneself to this sacred day is what the Lord requires to all
Jewish who believes in this event. This is part of worldly pleasures,
which is not appropriate when doing serious meditation about the
importance of the atonement.
5. Yom Kipppur Prayer Service
Aside from individual or personal prayer being done at home, there
are also sets of prayers known as Yom Kippur Prayer Service, which is
divided into 5 parts apart from the typical 3 times a day prayer in
regular days. They are called Ma’ariv, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and
lastly the closing prayer called Ne’ilah.
4. Public/Private Petitions and Confessions
This tradition are other parts of the Prayer Service wherein a
special prayer may be uttered while confessing publicly, the sins that
have been committed, which is part of the repentance process on the day
of the atonement. This is also called Vidui where it also includes
private petitions on this day.
3. Staying in Synagogue Services
This is an important activity that an individual can do to hallow
this day. It starts by spending the whole day in prayer in an Orthodox
way. It opens at 8 or 9 in the morning which would last until 3pm. By
5pm to 6pm until the nightfall, they would continue. Other services or
activities being done at the synagogue could be participated as an ideal
way to finish the two-day celebration of this holy holiday.
2. Intensive Prayer
Nothing will suffice to give a full devotion to this day but by
unceasing communion through prayer. There is a place intended where
constant communication can be made and one of which is the synagogue,
aside from home. This is the most sacred way of expressing and
reciprocating meditation and worship.
1. 25-Hour Fasting
This is the primary tradition that cannot be forgotten. Before the
sunset begins, it signifies that abstinence from any food and liquid
must be done. When the nightfall comes, they could partake of any food.
This is one way of living for 25 hours as if our body is dead since we
are not taking in any food in our body. As nightfall begins, individuals
may stop fasting, but will continue doing it the following day to
complete the 25 hours observance and abstinence from food.
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