Tuesday 23 May 2017

Judgement And The Day Of Atonement

By Patrick Peterson


This time of the year in the Hebrew calendar is a solemn occasion. The Day of Atonement is that part of the year to take stock of the year that has passed. It is found in the Bible in Leviticus.

Jews do not eat and are expected to fast if they are over the age of Barmitzvah and Batmitzvah. These two terms mean the following. A barmitzvah is when a boy becomes of age and the same goes for a batmitzvah for a girl. For a girl, she celebrates her batmitzvah at the age of twelve and a boy celebrates his barmitzvah at the age of thirteen.

This is a time of celebration unlike that of Yom Kippur which is the Hebrew equivalent for the the time of Atonement. Once children have reached this age they are expected to take on all the laws and duties of an adult Jew. Most parents prepare the child, once they have come of age, to try and fast which is a prerequisite for this solemn day.

For the rest of the community, no food or drink is allowed to pass the lips for a twenty six hour period. Unless an individual is very ill and is required to take medication, he or she is absolved from this duty. This goes for the elderly as well who cannot fast for this length of time.

The fast begins at sunset and continues to the following day until after sunset the following day. No eating or drinking is allowed. In fact nothing must pass the lips. So it is with this in mind that prior to the fast, a substantial meal is partaken of by most people.

A person can eat what they like prior to fasting. It is all a matter of choice and some will only have a light meal. Others make a big meal out of it and have meat, soup and a dessert of fruit. It's not set in stone.

The Hebrew Calendar is based on the lunar year and Yom Kippur falls in the month of Tishri. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the month which begins after sunset. This is derived from the Bible or Torah as it is referred to in Hebrew.

Jews of all ages attend Synagogue, a house of worship and spend the most part of the day and previous night praying and reflecting on the year that has passed. It is also known as the Day of Judgement. This is when it is said that all the souls of the world are judged according to the year that has passed.

Good deeds and bad deeds are weighed up. It is also believed that the year ahead is sealed. Who will die and who will live and how much income each individual will received in the coming year ahead.

The Temple service is made up of different parts. There is the Yizkor section where those who have lost parents pray that their souls are elevated in the next world. All in all, it is an awesome occasion for everyone and the fast itself reminds those to be grateful for their continued sustenance in the year to come.




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