Yom Kippur

“Now on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be for you a time of holy convocation, and you shall afflict [deny, humble yourselves, fast] yourselves and present a food offering to the LORD,” Leviticus 23:27-28. ESV.

“Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land,” Leviticus 25:9, ESV.

Yom Kippur –The Holiest Day of the Biblical year, aside from Shabbat — is here!!! (to see a reenactment of Yom Kippur)

Each of the three fall festivals has its own flavor. Rosh haShanah was a very special celebration. Anticipation & excitement were high – His presence was felt by all. The 10 days between Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur have been the Days of Awe. We may ask, what is “awe”? Remember how our nation was after 9/11? There was a hush, a reverence, over the land. The solemnity we felt after 9/11 will pale compared to what we will experience when we stand before our King.

For months we have been preparing ourselves. We have interceded; answered the call to be part of Operation Jericho (special ops intercessory assignments). We have fasted. We have seen G-d, our Heavenly Commander in Chief, answer our entreaties. As we conclude these days of repentance/introspection and preparation for Yom Kippur, let us ponder Yom Kippur’s being the rehearsal of the Great Day of Judgment.

Tuesday evening begins the Yom Kippur fast. Many wonder: how should I fast. Orthodox Jews do not eat or drink for the 25 hours. Others, with health challenges, cannot totally fast. Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to at least give up some favorite food. Personally, we will have only thin liquids during the fast. Yom Kippur is not only a memorial but also a dress rehearsal for the Day of Judgment when we will all appear before HaShem and all things hidden will be exposed.

Use this holy day to ‘clean up our acts’ spiritually, to remember His intervention in our lives, to seek G-d. People/our families, our nation, and Israel depend upon your prayers!! (G-d answers prayers on Yom Kippur )

Exercise: greet one another with “Tzom Kal!” May your fast be easy – and your day special before Him!