According to Robert Muller, “To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” Many agree that forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do, as it is easy to be overcome with resentful thoughts. The Torah requires that forgiveness be asked before Yom Kippur each year, despite how difficult it may be. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, will be taking place on September 29, 2011. Yom Kippur is one of the most intense and highly celebrated Jewish holidays.
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Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur, by Maurycy Gottlieb (1878) (Source: Wikipedia)
Great insight on Yom Kippur is revealed in the Bible, as revealed in Leviticus 23:26-28, “God spoke to Moses, saying: Mark, the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: you shall practice self-denial, and you shall do no work throughout that day for it is a Day of Atonement, on which expiation is made on your behalf before the Lord your God.” Both the Rosh Hashanah, the first and second day where the world is judged, and Yom Kippur, the 10th day of Atonement and the month of Tishrei, begin the celebration of the new Jewish year. According to the Days of Awe concept, the Rosh Hashanah involves a “book” where God records the names of those who will live eternally. Through repentance, prayer, and good deeds, the outcome of Yom Kippur can be positively influenced.
There are three main stages of Yom Kippur. First is Teshuvah, where through fasting and prayer, many Jews offer their repentance in hope to make appends with God (bein adam leMakom) and humans (bein adam lechavero). Second is Prayer, where many services take place to encourage soul-searching as Yom Kippur is their final day to influence the world’s overall judgment. Yom Kippur consists of five prayer services, the Ma’ariv, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Ne’ilah, where typical prayer services only contain three or four sessions. Ne’ilah, the closing prayer, will conclude the Yom Kippur. Third is fasting, where 25 hours are spent in a state of serenity and peace. As Yom Kippur is often looked upon as the most important Jewish holiday, the day is set aside as strictly a day of rest. In fact, there are five main observations of Yom Kippur: No eating or drinking; No wearing leather shoes; No bathing; No anointing with lotions; and No marital relations. These observations are a symbolic representation of the importance of this Jewish holiday.
Throughout Yom Kippur, reside in the beautiful and affordable Jerusalem Gold Hotel. As we are offering special rates for those who are celebrating the Yom Kippur, make sure to mention the holiday when making your hotel reservations at the Jerusalem Gold Hotel. We can ensure that you and your family will enjoy your relaxing stay at our elegant and comfortable Hotel! |
