Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement

Traditionally, the Jewish New Year is marked by the blowing of the shofar which begins ten days of repentance concluding on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The most solemn and holy of days on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is commonly observed by fasting, praying in the synagogue, and making amends with those whom one has wronged in the past year. Its central theme is repentance.

Leviticus 16:29 mandates the observance of Yom Kippur for ancient Israel, and today observant Jews still commemorate this day each year. Traditionally, Jews wear white to symbolize purity on Yom Kippur.

As many Jews around the world observe this day focused on repentance, beginning at sundown tonight, let us reflect on our own obedience to God’s commands to bless and pray for Israel (Genesis 12:3, Psalm 122:6). Have we done all that we can to follow God’s Word and stand up for His People?

ACTION STEP

Thank you for your faithfulness to God’s command to bless and defend Israel. There is still so much work to do. Find out how you can be more involved with CUFI.

Did you know one of Israel’s most difficult wars began on Yom Kippur in 1973? Find out more by watching CUFI’s Micro History video: “1973 – Yom Kippur War.”