Yom Kippur 5787

The Maggid of Koznitz said: “On Yom Kippur, why would anyone want to eat?” He felt the day’s holiness so deeply that eating was unthinkable. He was above the mundane, absorbed in the spiritual.

While fasting on Yom Kippur is required of all, this level is beyond most of us. Still, we get it. Haven’t we heard of scientists and mathematicians so absorbed in work they don’t eat or sleep?

On Yom Kippur, beginning Sunday evening, what occupies us is more engaging than any science or math problem. It is the holiest day of the year, when the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies in the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple. There, he shared a direct bond with G‑d. Nothing was there but him and G‑d’s presence.

In microcosm, every Jew feels this on Yom Kippur. This is the heart of Neilah “locked”, the last Yom Kippur prayer, when each person is “locked in” with G-d, to have intimate time together.

Will we consciously feel this? Each person’s experience differs, but everyone feels some spiritual inspiration. We draw closer to G‑d and become more aware of our Jewish roots.

Just as nature arouses beauty and awe, Yom Kippur inspires spiritual awareness. Beyond the “I” of daily life, each of us has a soul that is “an actual part of G-d.” On Yom Kippur, the day reveals this spiritual core to our consciousness. 

That’s why we recite confessional prayers on Yom Kippur; it’s like a couple making up. When they reunite after being distant, they look each other in the eye and say they’re sorry. It’s not guilt; it’s a natural response to hurting someone you love. 

They vow to change, turning from what causes pain and doing more of what brings happiness. 

That’s what the day’s prayers are about: coming close to G-d, apologizing for causing Him pain, and promising to do better.

Yom Kippur isn’t meant to be an isolated spiritual event. Though uniquely holy, its influence should inspire us to change our conduct and live more fulfilled lives throughout the year.

To learn about the laws of Yom Kippur, please visit chabad.org/yomkippur

Shabbat Shalom, and a meaningful Yom Kippur!

Shabbat Candle lighting time in NYC: Friday at 6:42 PM

Yom Kippur candle lighting time in NYC: Sunday at 6:38 PM