How to Pray on Yom Kippur

Part of Yom Kippur, the traditional Jewish holiday also known as the Day of Atonement, is following a strict prayer schedule throughout the day. While the level of participation in the many prayer services varies according to the commitment of each individual, even secular Jews try to attend the main services, known as Maariv, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha and Neilah.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Pray on Yom Kippur

1. Prepare for Yom Kippur by engaging in the Kaparot, a special prayer that should occur before the Day of Atonement begins. This is a prayer of thanks for all of the blessings you have had during the previous year.

2. Observe the first prayer service, known as Maariv, which is held on the eve of Yom Kippur and marks its official beginning. The Maariv includes the sacred prayer ritual known as Kol Nidrei, also known as the Annulment of Vows, considered to be the most important of all Jewish prayers. This is where each person promises to follow all observances for Yom Kippur and to atone for all sins.

3. Participate in Shacharit, which is the morning prayer service that emphasizes the beginning of atonement by stressing the confessional. The Shacharit that is held on Yom Kippur is often similar to the services held in synagogues during most other times of the year.

4. Follow the Shacharit with the Musaf, which is the final portion of the morning service on Yom Kippur. In addition to the confessional, the Musaf is traditionally comprised of two parts. The Avodah explains the rituals and prayers that occur on Yom Kippur and the Martyrology describes the deaths of several Talmudic scholars in the days of Ancient Rome.

5. Continue to pray on Yom Kippur by participating in the Mincha, which follows the Musaf after a short break. During the Mincha, relevant passages about God's forgiveness are read from two books of the Bible, Leviticus and Jonah. Prayers of penitence, known as selichot, are also offered during this time.

6. Mark the conclusion of Yom Kippur through the Neilah services, in which the ark containing the Torah is kept open. The traditional prayers during Neilah are noted for their desperate tone, since this is the last chance to pray for repentance before the sun goes down and Yom Kippur ends.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to the more traditional prayer services mentioned below, you should recite the Al Chet prayer of forgiveness 10 times during the day and recite from the Book of Psalms as frequently as possible.

[aliva123]

on 4/3/2008 For more information about kaparot please visit www.Kaparot.com