Yom Kippur The Day Of Atonement

Revision of the author's thesis (Ph. D.)--Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 2002.

The “Day of Atonement” in Leviticus 16 had a formative influence on Judaism and Christianity. The essays in this volume form a representative cross section of the history of reception of Leviticus 16 and the tradition of the Yom ha-Kippurim.

Yom Kippur (Hebrew for the Day of Atonement) is one of the Moadim, one of the Appointed Times of the Lord that, in the Bible, He commanded Israel to keep. It is an "appointment" set by the Lord. When someone makes an appointment, they have a reason. As author Rabbi Jim says, "If someone in my congregation makes an appointment with me, they wouldn't like it if I controlled the whole time and never asked them what they wanted to see me about." God has set the agenda for Yom Kippur, and we need to find out what it all is." To Jewish people, Yom Kippur is the most holy day of the whole year. It is the holiest of the autumn High Holy Days, a very serious, somber, sacred day. In the Bible, Yom Kippur is the day the Cohane HaGadol (High Priest) entered the Most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies, taking the blood of the sacrificed animals and sprinkling it on the Mercy Seat to make atonement for the sins of the people. Also he had to cast lots over two goats, one to be chosen as the scapegoat and the other to be sacrificed. But since 70 AD after the Temple was destroyed, none of that can be done anymore. So how do traditional and Messianic Jewish people observe this day today? And what agenda did God have in mind for this day for these End Times? What power does it hold for your personal walk of faith and for spiritual warfare? You might be surprised.

Despite their best intentions, people are imperfect and will inevitably make mistakes. They yearn for a chance to start over, to right wrongs, and to create a better future by improving upon the past. Several religious holidays around the world are devoted to this task. These observances allow individuals to reflect on their errors and make amends with those they have wronged. Lent, Yom Kippur, and Other Atonement Days focuses on the observation of Lent in the Christian tradition, the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur, and Vassa, the Buddhist practice also known as the Rains Retreat or Buddhist Lent. The Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist days of atonement vary greatly in beliefs and customs across different regions, but each has the ultimate goal of the practitioners bettering themselves through prayer, humility, and repentance.

Yom Kippur (Hebrew for the Day of Atonement) is one of the Moadim, one of the Appointed Times of the Lord that, in the Bible, He commanded Israel to keep. It is an "appointment" set by the Lord. When someone makes an appointment, they have a reason. As author Rabbi Jim says, "If someone in my congregation makes an appointment with me, they wouldn't like it if I controlled the whole time and never asked them what they wanted to see me about." God has set the agenda for Yom Kippur, and we need to find out what it all is." To Jewish people, Yom Kippur is the most holy day of the whole year. It is the holiest of the autumn High Holy Days, a very serious, somber, sacred day. In the Bible, Yom Kippur is the day the Cohane HaGadol (High Priest) entered the Most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies, taking the blood of the sacrificed animals and sprinkling it on the Mercy Seat to make atonement for the sins of the people. Also he had to cast lots over two goats, one to be chosen as the scapegoat and the other to be sacrificed. But since 70 AD after the Temple was destroyed, none of that can be done anymore. So how do traditional and Messianic Jewish people observe this day today? And what agenda did God have in mind for this day for these End Times? What power does it hold for your personal walk of faith and for spiritual warfare? You might be surprised.

Understanding the purpose and traditions of the Jewish feasts will give you a deeper appreciation for your God, your heritage, and the gift of redemption provided by the sacrificial death of Christ. The Fall Feasts of Israel will help you understand three of Israel's most significant festivals: Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. A complete examination of each feast includes a look at its biblical institution, its celebration in the time of Christ, and its observances by Jews today. "The feasts and laws of the Lord were a tutor to lead the Israelites to the Savior...the festivals find their fulfillment in Christ and His New Covenant." This book will give you insight into what God originally intended for the sacrificial offerings.

A powerful collection of writings about Yom Kippur that will add spiritual depth and holiness to your experience of the Day of Atonement. As Rosh Hashanah ends and you look ahead to Yom Kippur, what do you think about? The familiar melody of Kol Nidre? The long hours of fasting? The days of self-examination? You know that the Day of Atonement is the holiest on the Jewish calendar, but sometimes it just feels long, tiresome and devoid of personal meaning. The readings in this book are for anyone seeking a deeper level of personal reflection and spiritual intimacy—and a clearer understanding of just what makes Yom Kippur so holy. Drawn from a variety of sources—ancient, medieval, modern, Jewish and non-Jewish—this selection of readings, prayers and insights explores the opportunities for inspiration and reflection inherent in the themes addressed on the Day of Atonement: sin, forgiveness, repentance, spiritual growth, and being at one with self, family, community and God. These readings enable you to enter into the spirit of Yom Kippur in a personal and powerful way while they uplift and inform. They will add to the benefits of your High Holy Day experience year after year.

A resource to be used over and over again, this extraordinary collection of readings, prayers and insights enables the modern worshiper to enter into the spirit of the Day of Atonement in a personal and powerful way and permits the meaning of Yom Kippur to enter the heart.