Thank you for this video. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) begins this evening at sundown. The fast–no food or drink, including water, no brushing of teeth, etc.–lasts 25+ hours. However, fasting alone is a hollow fast if not marked by prayer and reflection. It is customary to wear white rather than black as a symbol of purity. It is the one day when Man is asked to aspire to the angels. However, in the Kol Nidre prayer, all vows and oaths that are made are to be broken in advance since we realize our imperfections. Those sins committed against our fellow humans must be atoned for, if possible, by seeking forgiveness from them. Only sins directly against G-d may be atoned for by prayer. On Rosh Hashanah, the fate of the whole Universe for the upcoming year is written and at the close of Yom Kippur, it is sealed. Yom Kippur is equivalent to the Sabbath and is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. However, as on the Sabbath, if life is in danger, the Sabbath of Yom Kippur may, indeed must, be broken. And there are leniencies regarding fasting: pregnant women are not permitted to fast, for example. The same for those who are ill, such as diabetics, and young children.
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