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| Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) |
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| Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred of the Jewish holidays, the "Sabbath of Sabbaths." By Yom Kippur the 40 days of repentance, that begin with the first of Elul, have passed. On Rosh Hashanah G-d has judged most of mankind and has recorded his judgement in the Book of Life. But he has given a 10 day reprieve. On Yom Kippur the Book of Life is closed and sealed. Those that have repented for their sins are granted a good and happy New Year. Since Yom Kippur is the day to ask forgiveness for promises broken to G-d, the day before is reserved for asking forgiveness for broken promises between people, as G-d cannot forgive broken promises between people. Yom Kippur is a day of "NOT" doing. The is no blowing of the Shofar and Jews may not eat or drink, as fasting is the rule. It is believed that to fast on Yom Kippur is to emulate the angels in heaven, who do not eat, drink, or wash. The Five Prohibitions of Yom Kippur: 1. Eating and drinking 2. Anointing with perfumes or lotions 3. Marital relations 4. Washing 5. Wearing leather shoes |
| Original ideas for the teacher: Ask your pupils what they know about Yom Kippur and what they are going to do on Yom Kippur. What do they think about the fast, are the going to fast? |