Day of Atonement

noun

, Judaism.

1. Yom Kippur.

Day of Atonement

noun

1. another name for Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement

1. An annual day of fasting and prayer among the Israelites , still observed by their descendants, the present-day Jews (see also Jews ). It occurs in autumn, and its observance is one of the requirements of the Mosaic law . Jews call this day Yom Kippur .

Word History and Origins

Origin of Day of Atonement¹

First recorded in 1810–20

More About Day Of Atonement

What is the Day of Atonement?

The Day of Atonement is Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday devoted to atoning for sins. It’s considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism.

Observation of the day is marked by fasting and prayers of repentance during a daylong service in the synagogue.

Yom Kippur is observed each year on the 10th day of Tishri, the first month of the Jewish calendar. Because the Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, the specific date on which Yom Kippur falls changes each year.

It is the culmination of a 10-day period of penitence that starts with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This period is referred to as the High Holidays or the Days of Awe.

Where does Day of Atonement come from?

Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement because that’s what it literally means. Its name comes from the Hebrew words yōm, meaning “day,” and kippūr, meaning “atonement.”

According to Jewish tradition, the period that begins with Rosh Hashanah and ends with Yom Kippur is when God renders judgment, so many Jews use the time to pray and make amends (atone) for the wrongs they have committed.

Yom Kippur is believed to originate with the story of God presenting Moses with the Ten Commandments, the first of which prohibits worshiping other gods. When Moses returned with the stone tablets that contained the commandments, he found the Israelites worshipping an idol in the form of a golden calf. Moses smashed the tablets in anger, but the Israelites atoned, and God forgave them and provided new tablets.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing the Day of Atonement?

• Yom Kippur
• atone
• forgiveness
• repentance
• High Holidays
• Days of Awe
• Rosh Hashanah
• Tishri
• Jewish calendar
• synagogue

How is Day of Atonement discussed in real life?

Yom Kippur is referred to as the Day of Atonement and is considered the most important and holiest day of the year in Judaism. Many Jews spend the day in the synagogue reciting prayers of repentance.

As Jews worldwide prepare for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life.

— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) September 27, 2020

Tonight is the start of the most holy time of the year for Jews, #YomKippur; the Day of Atonement. Many people will fast, and head to synagogue to pray for forgiveness. It ends a week known as the High Holy Days. #9news

— Gary Shapiro (@GShapiro9News) September 18, 2018

G’mar Tov. Everyone could use an annual day of atonement, Jews and non-Jews alike. Reflect on your missteps, and learn from them. #YomKippur

— David Levitz (@DavidLevitz) September 30, 2017

 

Try using Day of Atonement!

True or False?

Yom Kippur literally translates as “Day of Atonement.”