Tonight begins Yom Kippur, the sacred Day of Atonement in Judaism. As we start this solemn journey, understanding atonement can be challenging. Yom Kippur calls us to reflect, repent, and seek forgiveness. The rituals and traditions of this holy day prompt questions about their meaning.
On this sacred day, there are five prescribed abstentions:
- Refrain from eating and drinking.
- Avoid wearing leather shoes.
- Abstain from bathing or washing.
- Do not anoint oneself with perfumes or lotions.
- Abstain from marital relations.
How do we interpret these abstentions?
Abstaining from routine activities such as eating, drinking, and social interactions has symbolic significance within our spiritual practices. It is a way to seek a connection with the divine through sincere vulnerability. This state of being stripped down and solitary allows us to approach God authentically.
Fasting is a tangible expression of repentance and spiritual contemplation. Conversely, refraining from wearing leather shoes is a way to signify humility before the divine. Additionally, abstaining from bathing, using perfumes or lotions, and engaging in marital relations underscores the prioritization of spiritual needs over physical comforts. These abstentions collectively create an atmosphere of solemnity and seriousness, fostering deeper engagement in prayer and facilitating spiritual growth.
So, what is our directive?
During Yom Kippur, the Jewish community gathers in the synagogue to pray alone and connect with God. As a community, they confess their sins and seek forgiveness, even though God grants forgiveness individually. This forgiveness transforms a day of fear and solemnity into a festive occasion, as God establishes “at-one-ment” between humanity and Himself. In Hebrew, “Teshuva” signifies the annual opportunity to return to God by acknowledging one’s transgressions and seeking forgiveness. This is the essence of atonement.
Yom Kippur followed the model of the first day of God’s forgiveness when the Israelites received absolution for worshipping the golden calf in the desert. At the same time, Moses ascended the mountain to receive the Heavenly Torah.
The Lord said to Moses: “I have seen these people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. Now leave Me alone so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
Moses went back to the Lord and spoke:
“Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”*1
Thus began the initial real-life process of sin and reconciliation between God and the Children of Israel. Even though they committed transgressions, the path eventually led to ultimate reconciliation and forgiveness. The day of absolution came forty days later when Moses descended the mountain for the second time. On this occasion, God accepted the People’s remorse, and Moses presented the second set of Tablets, the Jewish covenant. This narrative serves as the foundational model for the observance of Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur is a framework for seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God following significant missteps. Despite its fasting rituals, the day embodies not only solemnity but also joy, reconciliation, and the prospect of stepping into the future revitalized.
How does this transformation process happen?
I recently found a helpful video by Rabbi Manis Friedman explaining forgiveness and reconciliation. According to him, there are two types of forgiveness. The first type is natural forgiveness, when you forgive someone who has hurt you to let go of the pain. However, the relationship may not go back to how it was before, and there may be no attempt at reconciliation.
The second type of forgiveness is the forgiveness of reconciliation, which occurs when the person who did the wrong admits their mistake and genuinely seeks forgiveness and reconciliation. This type of forgiveness can lead to a significant change, as your heart may soften when you realize the person’s importance in your life. You can watch the video from 9:12 to 20:28 min here.
Moreover, I’ve realized how important this insight is for addressing the struggles of indigenous and black communities facing historical racism. The complexities surrounding “apologies” make these challenges even more intricate.
Are these apologies genuinely sincere?
This question arises when we receive an apology, and it is not always easy to answer. There are two types of apologies: a simple “I’m sorry” without any commitment to change, and the second is when the person acknowledges their past wrongs and promises to make things right. This type of apology is more meaningful, as it brings about justice and helps in reconciliation, leading to a deeper mutual understanding and stronger relationships than before.
Yom Kippur exemplifies the power of self-reflection, repentance, and the journey to forgiveness. It provides a timeless framework that brings hope and transformation to those dealing with the complex terrain of forgiveness and reconciliation in today’s challenges.
Footnote:
- www.biblehub.com