The observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins this evening. This day in the Jewish calendar is the most solemn. The day's origin lies deep in Israel's desert experience with the Golden Calf. The idolatrous people of God incurred God's judgment but later received God's forgiveness.
While remembering Israel's great sin, worshippers repent of their sin before the judgment of God is sealed. Therefore, the most sober day becomes joyful as well. God forgives our sin. The new year can now be whole and happy for the repentant sinner.
The ritual practices of this day include: the reading of the book of Jonah in its entirety, fasting from drink and bathing for twenty-five hours, and attending Kol Nidrei services at the synagogue. When the fast is broken, there is the eating of honey cake and a meal on the evening after (Yom Tov or "festival").
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