Yom Kippur is the most reverential festival in the Jewish year – and also the most holy day. It’s at this time that Jews are given the opportunity to improve the judgement that will be given by God.Translated literally, Yom Kippur means ‘Day of Attonement’, and so not surprisingly the principle order of business during this festival is the atonement of sin. The festival is also a time for personal reflection and introspection.

This holy day includes a 25 hour period of fasting and very intensive prayer. Much of the festival is spent in Synagogue for special prayer services. One major part of those services includes the public confession of sins.There is also a special, unique prayer which is devoted to the Kohn Gadol service at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.

Yom Kippur is also the time when the famous ‘Kol Nidre’ is recited.This is a prayer that anuls vows made between one person and God during the year. At this time it’s not normally permitted to work, eat or drink.It’s traditional also to wear white, which symbolises purity and forgiveness towards God.

The Synagogue forms a very important role during Yom Kippur, and it is where most of the festival is conducted. Eventually at nightfall, there will be one final blast of the Shofar – an instrument made from a ram’s horn. Since this is the most important holy day in the calendar, most Jews will attend Synagogue on this day, although many will not fast.

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