This square design, dominated by somber colors of brown and indigo-blue, centers on a photo of a wooden table, on which lie a printed book written in Hebrew, a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl), and a ram’s-horn shofar. The words say, “Yom Kippur, a holy day. Day of Atonement. Holiest of the Jewish Year.” Image courtesy of Jewish Voice.
G’mar Chatimah Tovah this Yom Kippur

G’mar Chatimah Tovah this Yom Kippur

G’mar Chatimah Tovah! The Days of Awe, which started with Rosh Hashanah, are drawing to a close. Yom Kippur will end at sunset tonight. I hope this has been a time of blessing and renewal, reconciliation and reflection for all of my friends who observe this holiest of holidays. 

This square design, dominated by somber colors of brown and indigo-blue, centers on a photo of a wooden table, on which lie a printed book written in Hebrew, a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl), and a ram’s-horn shofar. The words say, “Yom Kippur, a holy day. Day of Atonement. Holiest of the Jewish Year.” Image courtesy of Jewish Voice.
Photo courtesy of Jewish Voice

This is not a sad day, but it is a quiet day. A day of self-reflection and unflinching honesty, as I understand it. The Days of Awe are designed to be a time of atonement, forgiveness, and renewal. With a few exceptions that take health realities into account, it is a time of fasting, and also of prayer.

G’mar Chatimah Tova for Yom Kippur

This is the kind of day when a person can gain a sense of the depth of their own faith, extend the reach of their compassion and grow in wisdom. A guiding text from Isaiah calls for sharing food with the hungry and shelter, clothing, and compassion to those in need. Many people hear this as a call to charitable giving.

If you are a Gentile like me, you may find this video interesting. It’s only about three and a half minutes long. It seemed shorter to me.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah, my friends. May you step into the new year refreshed, and may you feast well tonight.

IMAGE CREDITS: Many thanks to Jewish Voice for the Yom Kippur greeting image, and to BimBam on YouTube for the very informative video about Yom Kippur.

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