How to Explain Yom Kippur to Children
While Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is one of the most serious and solemn of Jewish observances, explaining this holiday to your children should be quite easy. By highlighting the undercurrent of joy and optimism that permeates Yom Kippur, you can teach your children to not only respect the day, but to look forward to its occurrence every year.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Explain Yom Kippur to Children
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1
Explain that the reason Yom Kippur exists is to repent for all of the sins that you have committed over the past year. Use the Bible to show its origins, concentrating on the sixteenth chapter of Leviticus, which thoroughly outlines the Day of Atonement.
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2
Tell children about the Five Prohibitions of Yom Kippur and the reason why they are observed. On Yom Kippur, one cannot eat or drink, wear leather shoes, bathe or wash, anoint oneself with oil (or perfume, jewelry or makeup), or engage in marital relations. Explaining the latter prohibition, of course, will depend upon the maturity of the children, and your comfort level in telling them.
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3
Perform the kapparot for children by either waving a chicken over your head and reciting the prayer, or substituting cash wrapped in a handkerchief. Explain that the purpose of this ritual is to accept that our lives hang in the balance on Yom Kippur and that performing good deeds will show God that we want to be forgiven for our sins.
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4
Take the time to explain the purpose of every observance during Yom Kippur while it is occurring, from the Seudah Mafseket ("last meal") to all of the prayer services in the shul (synagogue), to the proper attire that should be worn. Explain that white clothes should be worn, since it says in the Bible that "if your sins be like scarlet, they will become as white as snow."
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5
Ask your rabbi or spiritual leader to help answer any questions your children may have that you cannot answer.
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6
Use online resources, such as the Torah Tots website, to help you explain Yom Kippur to children in straightforward, easy to understand terms (see Resources below).
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1
Tips & Warnings
While observing the Five Prohibitions is designated for healthy, adult Jews, you may allow your child to participate in as much of the observances as they can. Note that many doctors recommend that pre-pubescent children refrain from fasting.
