The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

This Friday (sundown - October 3, 2014), as the sun goes down, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) begins. As I have mentioned before, it is our responsibility to repair and reconcile relationships. The three most important relationships are the one we have with ourselves, the one we have with our "Higher Power" (whatever that might or might not be), and the ones we have with the rest of creation. All the work seems to be on us and rightfully so, because of all of creation, humans are the one creature that always needs improvement.

The word "atonement" breaks down into, “at-one-ment.” On Yom Kippur, we recognize and accept responsibility for actions on our part that destroyed relationships, broke a trust, ruined a reputation, cheating in business, greed over good, and on and on. These things separate us from our highest self; they separate us from the love of others. The process of Teshuvah (repentance), literally turning oneself around, helps bring about a change of heart, and a regenerated personality. It reminds us to view ourselves as a being created with the "spirit of Elohim", that our real selves reflect the divine image, and that our actions and choices should be guided by values which reflect those of the “spirit of Elohim” – Tov Values.

Tov Values are “Life 1^st Values.” When we adopt Tov Values as our highest values we choose to do acts that:

“protect life, preserve lives, makes lives more functional, increase the quality of lives – and that enhance, nourish and nurture lives.”

We create relationships with others who share Tov Values. Tov acts are good and pleasing to the eyes of Elohim and people too. Many times, the meaning in life is measured in the victory we achieve in disciplining our baser self and bending it to serve a higher purpose.

On Yom Kippur, we remove ourselves from every aspect of the mundane world. We fast, turn off our cell phones and other appliances. We open our ears, eyes, hearts, and souls to reconnect with ourselves and with others. We refrain from indulging our physical appetites for a limited period not to deny our physical appetites, but to subsume them to a higher set of values and the need of putting our desires in their proper place and context. 

The customary greeting for this Holy day is "G'Mar Chatimah Tova," – “may you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year of Tov, a year of health, a year of peace and a year of life.”

The prophet Isaiah (chapter 58), which is read on Yom Kippur states;

"Your fasting today is not such as to make your voice heard on high . . . No, this is the fast I desire: to unlock the fetters of wickedness, and untie the chords of the Yoke, to let the oppressed go free; to break off every yoke. It is to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home; when you see the naked, to clothe him . . . Then shall your light burst through like the dawn."

This year -- Do Tov, Choose Life!

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor