Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

• it is the end of the 10 days of repentance and is a day of forgiveness
• It is a day of self-denial in five areas; food, wearing of perfumes, drink, sex and wearing of leather shoes
• the day before yom kippur is a time for preparation - charity / spiritual cleaning in the mikveh
• Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast during which many Jews take no food or drink
• although it is a very solemn day many Jews look forward to the day as it gives them a chance to atone for their wrongdoings
• there are five prayer services throughout yom kippur, at the heart of each is the confessional prayer made to God
• Torah scrolls will be dressed in white as white symbolises forgiveness
• after nightfall a single blast of the shofar announces the fast is over. Back at home families make havdalah and break their fasts