Yom Kippur- All Things Not to Do are Listed Here

Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, is a time for reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God. Jews take it as a great chance to focus on their souls — their inner world — distancing themselves from other physical activities.

It is the most sacred day for Jews. During Yom Kippur, Jewish people spend the whole day praying. They observe a fast for approximately 25 hours, refraining from any food and drink. They also abstain from engaging in activities, such as work, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in intimate relations. By doing so, they believe they will please God and be blessed by God in the next year.

Yom Kippur 2023 begins with the evening (moment after sundown) of September 24th and ends with the evening (when stars appear) on September 25th.

Things Not to Do During Yom Kippur

people can not do all pleasurable things during Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is a very solemn day, designed for people to focus their attention inwardly. Any physical activities, which are deemed to distract from this focus, should be avoided. By doing so, Jews aim to obtain forgiveness from God

No eating and drinking: Yom Kippur is a day of complete fasting. Jews abstain from all food and drinks for about 25 hours. Even water is not allowed. By doing so, they show their commitment to seeking forgiveness and improving themselves.
No working: Yom Kippur is a day of reflection. Jews do not go to work or do business activities. They spend the whole day as a Sabbath, praying and seeking repentance.
No washing and bathing: Jews do not wash or bath on Yom Kippur. Washing or bathing is seen as a sign of distraction. By doing so, it's believed that you're not earnest in your devotion to God and repentance for past wrongdoings.
No wearing of leather shoes: Jews may not wear leather footwear on Yom Kippur. Instead, comfortable footwear, such as cloth shoes or special Yom Kippur slippers, is acceptable. These shoes are considered to be humble and fit for the solemn atmosphere of the festival.
No using oils and lotions: Jews should definitely not use oils, lotions, or any cosmetics on Yom Kippur. This is a day for reflection and repentance. Any personal adornment on this serious day is seen as a sign of not being serious in self-reflection or seeking forgiveness.
No engaging in marital relations: Sexual activity is a big no-no on Yom Kippur.
No handling of money: Jews do not handle money or engage in financial transactions. This includes not carrying cash or credit cards.
No using any electronic devices: Jews must not use any electronic devices. This day is to spiritually communicate with God but not the outside world. So, they avoid sending/receiving emails, participating in social media, watching television, listening to music, and playing games.
No entertainment: It is a time for introspection and connecting with personal faith but not a time to entertain your physical body or mind.

How to Celebrate Yom Kippur Traditionally

Yom Kippur is celebrated by Jews all over the world, especially in Israel. As it is a day for spiritual reflection and growth, all of the celebrations are centered on this.

1. Having a Big Dinner and Asking for Others' Forgiveness the Day Before

On the day preceding Yom Kippur, known as Erev Yom Kippur, Jews do a lot of activities to prepare for the event, such as having a big dinner and asking for forgiveness from others.

Families get together and have a big family dinner, sharing the food and enjoying a happy time. This gathering allows them to spend quality time with their loved ones before the upcoming 25-hour fasting period begins.

Additionally, it is customary for individuals to make amends and seek forgiveness from others whom they may have sinned against. It is important to address any misdeeds or conflicts prior to Yom Kippur. According to the Talmud, 'Yom Kippur does not atone for sins between a person and his fellow until he has appeased his fellow.'

2. Fasting for 25 Hours

Once the sun sets on the evening the fasting period begins. Jews observe a fast from sunset to sunset, lasting approximately 25 hours. During this time, they don't consume any food or drink, even water. This fast is seen as a way to focus on spiritual matters and to emulate the purity of the angels.

The fast is a most serious practice for Jews. While some individuals may not strictly adhere to other Jewish rules, they often prioritize observing the fasting rule of Yom Kippur.

Young children aged under 13, pregnant or nursing women and patients may be exempted or advised not to fast.

3. Attending a Synagogue for Praying and Repentance

During the day, Jews pray for redemption from their sins throughout the past year or sins they may commit in the future. As the most sacred day of reverence, Jews around the world, even those who are not deeply religious, typically attend a synagogue, participate in special prayer services, and greet each other with the phrase "May you have a meaningful fast", expressing wishes for forgiveness and affirmation from God following sincere repentance.

Synagogues hold multiple services, including Kol Nidre (the service on the eve of Yom Kippur) and Neilah (the service concluding Yom Kippur). Prayers are conducted in a group setting, led by a rabbi or a religious leader.

4. Wearing White Clothes

The color white is a symbol of purity among Jews. Wearing white clothes during the festival is believed to show a wish for spiritual purity. It also expresses a wish that sins are washed away and the spirit is pure — "as white as snow".

5. Practicing Charity

This typically involves giving money to the poor, but also other gifts and hospitality. It is customary for Jews to give generously on the 9-day lead up to Yom Kippur and especially on Erev Yom Kippur, the eve of the Day of Atonement. There are many stories in Jewish tradition and folklore espousing generosity at this time.

Why Yom Kippur is Celebrated — Its History and Origin

Yom Kippur is celebrated to purify the spirit and seek forgiveness from God. Jewish people believe that through prayer and repentance, they will merit God's mercy, and hence God will forgive them and bless them in the coming year.

The festival has a historical origin rooted in the story of Moses and the Israelites. After receiving the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, Moses returned to the Israelites. He discovered the Israelites had turned to worshiping a golden calf during his absence. Moses became very angry and he destroyed the original tablets. He climbed back up Mount Sinai again to pray for forgiveness for himself and his people. Moses returned with a second set of tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments as well as God's forgiveness for Israel.

How Yom Kippur is Celebrated in Israel

Yom Kippur in Israel nowadays is a solemn and widely observed holiday. It is regarded as the holiest day of the year by Jews.

In Israel, on this day, the entire country comes to a halt. There is no publication of newspapers and no television or radio broadcasts. Public transportation is suspended and all government offices, businesses, schools, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues are closed for a full 24 hours. Streets are empty and quiet as people refrain from driving and going out.

Travelers are advised not to visit Israel during Yom Kippur: During the festival, attractions are closed, public buses are stopped, and shops and restaurants are all closed. The festival is not an attraction for travelers but a solemn day for Jews.