Yom Kippur means the Day of Atonement. (Luke 18:15, Acts 27:9, Exodus 30:10, Hebrews 9:24-28, Hebrews 10:19, Romans 2:28,29, 1Peter 1:19, 1John1:7) Yom Kippur involves abstinence from labor, fasting, penitence and sacrifice for sin. This day marked the only entry of the high priest into the Holy of Holies. (Leviticus 16:8-26) The second of two goats for which lots were cast on the Day of Atonement was known as the scapegoat. The first was sacrificed as a sin offering, but the second had the people's sins transferred to it by prayer and was then taken into the wilderness and released. The first goat was killed and it's blood was sprinkled within the veil in the Holy of Holies upon and before the mercy seat.

It is customery in the Hebrew tradition for fathers and mothers to bless their children on the day before Yom Kippur. (Matthew 19:13) What a privilege to lay your hands on your children, touch them, and bless them in Yeshua's name. Take this opportunity to show your children how very much you love them. Shortly before sundown, after blessing the children, there is a thoughtful custom of lighting a memorial candle in memory of a loved one who has passed away. After dinner read the story of Jonah, who was sent to tell the people of Nineveh that they were going to be destroyed because of their sinfulness.

The next twenty-four hours have been designated for fasting and prayer. Three principles are linked together in Yeshua's teaching found in Matthew 6: "When you fast ...", "When you pray ...", and "When you give ...". The time of fasting ends as the sun goes down the following day. A light meal is eaten to break the fast and then closes with words from Psalm 107:8,9. Put some money at each person's place, an amount you would have spent on groceries for the day. Use these gifts to help needy people in an area where your family is particularly concerned.

Before the setting of the sun that signals the beginning of the Day of Atonement, the people gather in the synagogue, many dressed in white kittels, or robes, for preparatory prayers. The same kittel will eventually become the worshiper's funeral shroud. A white garment is worn as a symbol of a humble and contrite heart and confidence in G-d's ability to forgive sins. Even women will sometimes wear white clothes in honor of the day. Men wrap themselves in prayer shawls, which are not allowed to be worn at evening services but may be used on this occasion since the service officially begins before sunset.