IndigoChild5559
Loving God and my neighbor as myself.
Tonight at sunset begins Yom Kippur, which means the Day of Atonement. It will last until just after nightfall tomorrow -- about 26 hours. It is the holiest day on the Jewish Calendar. On this day we are closest to God, and to our innermost being. It is written: "For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before God."
On this day we "afflict" ourselves. We mainly do this with a severe fast -- absolutely no food or drink (no, not even water). Of course, exceptions are made for children and those with health conditions. We do not wash or apply lotions or creams, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations. We spend all day in the synagogue praying, and do a lot of that standing. It is written by the prophet Hosea that the words of our lips (prayers) shall be as bullocks (sacrifices). It is a tradition to wear white.
We ask forgiveness...
"For the sin which we have committed before you under duress or willingly.
And for the sin which we have committed before you by hard-heartedness.
For the sin which we have committed before you inadvertently.
And for the sin which we have committed before you with an utterance of the lips.
For the sin which we have committed before you with immorality.
And for the sin which we have committed before you openly or secretly.
For the sin which we have committed before you with knowledge and with deceit.
And for the sin which we have committed before you through speech."
Our choir has been rehearsing two days a week since July. I think my favorite song is this one, R'tzei.
Be gracious, Adonai our God, to your people, Israel
and receive our prayers with love
May our worship always be acceptable to you
Draw near to all who reach for you
Turn graciously to all who serve you
Spread your Spirit upon us
And let our eyes behold your compassionate return to Zion
Blessed are you, Adonai, for restoring your presence to Zion
On this day we "afflict" ourselves. We mainly do this with a severe fast -- absolutely no food or drink (no, not even water). Of course, exceptions are made for children and those with health conditions. We do not wash or apply lotions or creams, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations. We spend all day in the synagogue praying, and do a lot of that standing. It is written by the prophet Hosea that the words of our lips (prayers) shall be as bullocks (sacrifices). It is a tradition to wear white.
We ask forgiveness...
"For the sin which we have committed before you under duress or willingly.
And for the sin which we have committed before you by hard-heartedness.
For the sin which we have committed before you inadvertently.
And for the sin which we have committed before you with an utterance of the lips.
For the sin which we have committed before you with immorality.
And for the sin which we have committed before you openly or secretly.
For the sin which we have committed before you with knowledge and with deceit.
And for the sin which we have committed before you through speech."
Our choir has been rehearsing two days a week since July. I think my favorite song is this one, R'tzei.
Be gracious, Adonai our God, to your people, Israel
and receive our prayers with love
May our worship always be acceptable to you
Draw near to all who reach for you
Turn graciously to all who serve you
Spread your Spirit upon us
And let our eyes behold your compassionate return to Zion
Blessed are you, Adonai, for restoring your presence to Zion