How to Prepare for Shul on Yom Kippur

Attending prayer services at your shul, or synagogue, is an important part of observing Yom Kippur, the Jewish holy day that is also known as the Day of Atonement. Five different services should be attended, starting just after sundown on the first day, and concluding just before nightfall 25 hours later.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• White clothing
• Kittel (ceremonial robe)
• Kippah or yarmulke (traditional head covering)
• Shoes that are not made from leather
• Tallit (prayer shawl)

Prepare for Shul on Yom Kippur

1. Dress properly to prepare for shul on Yom Kippur: no leather shoes should be worn, white clothes are preferred, signifying the changing of one's sins from scarlet to "white as snow." Men may wear a kittel, which is a white ceremonial robe, and appropriate headwear such as a yarmulke or kippah. Women may cover their heads with a scarf or modest hat and both can add a tallit, or prayer shawl.
2. Attend the first prayer service, called Maariv, shortly after sundown. This is where the most sacred of all Jewish prayers, the Kol Nidrei, is recited, which marks the beginning of Yom Kippur. In the Kol Nidrei, also known as the Annulment of Vows, each individual commits to the Day of Atonement by promising to observe all traditions in order to be forgiven by God.
3. Return to the shul the next morning for four more prayer services that will last until the afternoon. The Shacharit is the morning service, followed by Musaf, where all of the traditions and history of Yom Kippur are explained. After a short break, the prayer services resume with Mincha, where passages of the Bible are read. The last prayer service, known as Neilah, is also known as the "Closing of the Gates," which offers one last chance to atone for sins.
4. Continue to pray in shul throughout the day, reciting from the Book of Psalms as often as possible, including brief penitent prayers, known as the selichot.
5. Conclude the prayer services at your shul once the final prayer, called the Shema Yisreal, is recited, and the shofar, a large ancient horn, is blown. This will signify the end of Yom Kippur.

Tips & Warnings

• Men who are Orthodox Jews may also prepare and participate in a ritual bath, known as a mikvah, just before Yom Kippur begins, where the body is submerged five times.