[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|45.6875px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|22.8438px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”25px|||” custom_padding=”25px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” alt=”Yom Kippur” title_text=”Yom Kippur” src=”https:\/\/www.kabbalah.info\/bb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/yom-kippur-900.jpg” align=”center” align_phone=”center”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”2_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”10px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Yom Kippur<\/em> (The Day of Atonement), held annually on the 10th of Tishrei (September-October), is one of the most seriously regarded Jewish holidays.\u00a0<\/span> It is customary to pray, weep, ask for forgiveness, attend the synagogue, repent, fast, and refrain from bathing, wearing perfume and leather, and performing sexual intercourse.<\/p>\n Moreover, in Israel, a very quiet and respectful atmosphere is established, with closure of stores, mass media and transportation.<\/p>\n Why is this holiday treated with such reverence? <\/span><\/p>\n Also, what is the meaning behind its stringent customs, prohibitions and solemn character?<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”18″ text_line_height=”1.5em” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”30px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.5em” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”30px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.kabbalah.info\/bb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/inner-meaning-of-yom-kippur_960x366.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.5em” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”30px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yom Kippur<\/em> is much more than a tradition. It reflects a deep, internal state in human development. Thus, it requires being viewed in context of the full year\u2019s cycle of holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n The Hebrew word for \u201cyear\u201d (\u201c<\/span>Shana<\/span><\/em>\u201d) comes from the word for \u201cchange\u201d (\u201c<\/span>Shinui<\/span><\/em>\u201d). Therefore, a year is considered as a cycle of changes we go through. When we decide that we need to change\u2014that our current self-aimed and individualistic approach to life needs shifting to one guided by connection, love and bestowal\u2014then it is considered as the beginning of the new year: <\/span>Rosh Hashanah<\/span><\/em><\/a>, the beginning of change.<\/span><\/p>\n We then start judging ourselves. We are used to judging our <\/span>actions<\/span><\/i>, but what we really need to judge are our <\/span>intentions<\/span><\/i>, especially in relation to people. This is done partly by deeply examining the questions, \u201cWhat do I really intend for other people?\u201d and \u201cWhere am I in relation to the qualities of connection, love and bestowal?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n This action of examining our attitude towards others requires unique means and a method, which is what the wisdom of Kabbalah provides, in order to draw what is called \u201cthe light,\u201d i.e. a special illumination of the force of love and bestowal. This light is actually what performs our self-examination. In other words, if a person is left to his own devices, he will most likely fall into the common trap of self-justification, which blocks self-change. However, by drawing the light from a higher level of connection, love and bestowal, this light \u201cshines\u201d and shows the person\u2019s true amount of intention for self benefit and for the benefit of others.<\/span><\/p>\n This self-examination is the essence of what takes place on Yom Kippur<\/em>. The Jewish holidays discuss stages in the corrections of our intentions, which change our inborn, egocentric intentions into divine intentions of love and bestowal. These corrections enable us to enter into more and more positive connection with each other, and by doing so, experience a fuller, happier, more peaceful and harmonious world.<\/span><\/p>\n Yom Kippur<\/em> customs such as fasting, and the prohibitions on bathing, wearing perfume and leather, and performing sexual intercourse, all symbolize the need to stop self-aimed reception for one\u2019s benefit alone. This action is called \u201crestriction.\u201d When this restriction is set, we can start acting with an intention to benefit others, to bestow. <\/span><\/p>\n Essentially, Yom Kippur<\/em> signifies the need to put ourselves aside and act for the sake of others. <\/span><\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”30px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nContents<\/h2>\n
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The Spiritual Meaning of Yom Kippur<\/span><\/h1>\n