September 8, 2021

Yom Kippur: Culminating the 10 Days of Awe

September 8, 2021

Yom Kippur: Culminating the 10 Days of Awe

In uncertain times, we rely on tradition and the natural rhythms of life to provide meaning and stability. While the current challenges we face are real, we need to remember they are temporary. We are part of a larger whole—a long continuum—which provides perspective and comfort. Celebrating holidays helps us to stay connected to this whole, and helps us navigate difficult times.

Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe. In the Jewish tradition, this is a period of introspection and repentance. It follows the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, and is the time when God decides each person’s fate. It’s a time when Jews are encouraged to ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year and make amends. It’s a time of fasting followed by a “breaking of the fast” meal.

Catering by Michaels is humbled to be a part of your Yom Kippur observances.

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September 12, 2018

Yom Kippur: A Look Inside The Customs of Fasting & Feasting

September 12, 2018

Yom Kippur: A Look Inside The Customs of Fasting & Feasting

The holiday of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the holiest day of the year, when Jewish people come together, fasting and praying as one.

If Rosh Hashanah is about celebrating the arrival of the Jewish New Year, Yom Kippur symbolizes the cleansing of the previous year’s sins. The majority of the day is spent in Synagogue as many use the opportunity to reflect on their individual and collective actions over the past year, and their hope for the coming year.

It is believed that on this day, a person’s fate for the upcoming year is sealed, therefore, the entire day is spent fasting and praying for forgiveness and a good new year.

On Yom Kippur, observers abstain from eating, working, wearing leather, perfumes, and acts of intimacy. This is a sacred occasion and an opportunity to clean the slate, reset all systems, and start again smoothly.

First We Fast

This year, the holiday begins at sundown on September 18. When the sun goes down, and Yom Kippur starts, so does the act of fasting. Those observing will commence their 25-hour fast until nightfall on September 19. During this time all forms of sustenance are prohibited — even water.

The Jewish tradition of fasting stems from verses in the Torah, which state that fasting on Yom Kippur is a necessary component of the day. Fasting is believed to be a vehicle for reflecting and repenting for your sins.

Those who are too feeble, sick, or young to safely fast are not required to do so. However, healthy females from the age of 12 and males from the age of 13 must fast as part of the tradition. Throughout the fasting period, the focus moves from physical needs to engaging in repentance and prayer in the synagogue.

The 5 Prayers of Yom Kippur

Even though there is no food to be had on Yom Kippur, observers still dress the table with a festive cloth and light candles before the onset of the holy day. Two blessings are said to send thanks for enabling those of the faith to reach the new year.

Yom Kippur is a special occasion for children, who observe it by lighting candles, changing shoes, and finding new prayers to learn and recite.

On an ordinary day, there are three daily prayers: Maariv (evening prayer), Shacharit (morning prayer) and Minchah (afternoon prayer). On Shabbat and holidays, a fourth prayer is added. Yom Kippur, however, is the only day of the year when a fifth prayer is introduced. Ne’ilah, the closing prayer, is said as the sun sets in the west as this special day comes to a close.

Now We Fast

After the sun sets and the holiday of Yom Kippur comes to a close, the tradition of breaking the fast begins. And this is where we come in!

During the Rosh Hashanah meal, there are strict rules about what kosher food can be eaten after fasting. Yom Kippur is much different. In general, people often eat gentler, less spicy dishes. After fasting, the stomach is much more sensitive to rich, spicy food.

The typical assortment of foods includes fruits and veggies, lox and bagels, white albacore tuna salad, cakes, and baked casseroles.

Yom Kippur Delivery CateringYom Kippur Dessert Chocolate Cake

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