Yom Kippur falls on the tenth day of the year, precisely eight days after Rosh Hashanah. The first ten days of the year are called Yemai Teshuvah (days of repentance). During these days we continue to repent for our past shortcomings and resolve to do better in the future. The last of these ten days is Yom Kippur.   more »

Aaron, the High Priest, was permitted to enter the holiest place, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. The question poses itself: If ordinary mortals could not withstand the sanctity of the inner sanctum on an ordinary day, how would Aaron withstand it on Yom Kippur, when the room's sanctity was surely intensified?   more »

If your best friend hurt you deeply and then asked for forgiveness, would you be able to forgive? What if you forgave and she came right back and hurt you again, would you forgive a second time?   more »

when Moshe ascended to the supernal abode he heard the angels singing the words 'Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuso Leolam Vaed' and upon his descent he taught it to the Jewish people. Why does Israel not proclaim these words in public? Says, Rabbi Asi, this is comparable to a man who stole a gem from the Royal palace and gave it to his wife. I implore you, he said to her, never wear this gem in public only in the privacy of your home. However, on Yom Kippur when they are pure as angels they proclaim these words in public   more »

Droves of people, through the aisles, in a seemingly endless stream. They have gathered for a special occasion; it is an evening of repentance, an evening of devotion and perhaps most importantly an evening of commitment. For this is the holiest of Jewish holidays, it is the evening of Yom Kippur.   more »