This year I will be practicing the day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement. It is one of the few ahistorical Jewish holidays. The holiday’s clear purpose is atonement, described in Torah:
“And this shall be a law to you for all time: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall pain yourself and do no work at all…For on that day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all that you have done wrong – before God you will be clean.” (Leviticus 16:29-3
The defining rituals are negative – things one does not do. In Jewish law proscribes eating and drinking, showering and cosmetics, wearing leather shoes (they denote wealth and prosperity) and sexual contact. The intention is twofold, to clear out a space for contemplation and to imitate death and rebirth. Real reflection requires getting rid of clutter, so for a day we put aside normal human cares (food, sex, washing).
However, there is plenty to be done on Many Jews dress all in white – our color of purity and mortality. The prayers are long – some do not even leave the synagogue for the duration of the holiday. The day is filled with confessions and apologies. In fact the weeks leading up to Yom Kippur are designated for this purpose and are the time we actively approach those we’ve wronged to set things right. Should a Jewish friend approach you to apologize, do not be surprised. Whether going to services or not, most Jews will gather in the evening after the holiday for a “break fast.” If you are with Jews of Eastern European descent and lox is not served at said break fast, please be aware that your break fast experience is dreadfully inauthentic.