The History of Yom Kippur
The history of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, dates back to the earliest days of the Israelites. Revered as one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar, Jewish believers celebrate the day with fasting and reflection on the past year. They repent for the past year’s sins and make atonement before moving forward into the next year with a fresh slate.
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God Commands a Day of Atonement
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In Leviticus, Chapter 23, God creates a calendar of holy days to remind the Israelites of their relationship with God. Beginning in Leviticus, Chapter 23, Verse 27, God tells Moses to set the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishrei, as the Day of Atonement. The people gather together with fasting and contrition to present an offering to God. The Jews don’t work on this day, but spend the day in worship service and in contemplation of past sins until the blowing of the shofar that signifies the end of the day. Those who do not participate in the fast aren’t covered by the forgiveness of sins.
The Sacrifice
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The chronicle of the first time the Hebrews used a goat for atonement appears in Leviticus 16:1 to 34. Aaron, the High Priest, brings two male goats, a ram, and a bull, for the Atonement Day sacrifice. The bull provides a sin offering for the priests and removes Aaron’s sin so he can make the sacrifice for the nation. He casts lots to determine which goat to sacrifice and which will live. He sprinkles the blood of the bull and the sacrificed goat on the Mercy Seat. He confesses the sins of the people over the head of the live goat and another priest leads the goat out into the wilderness. The High Priest burns the goat and the bull as a sin offering for the people and the ram as a burnt offering for God.
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Day of Judgment
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Over time, priests came to present Yom Kippur as a Day of Judgment when God judges the people of Israel. Those who complete the Day of Atonement have their names written in the Book of Life and begin the new year free from guilt of the past year’s sins. Priests added more activities to abstain from such as drinking, bathing, using perfumes, wearing comfortable shoes or engaging in sex.
Significance of the Day
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The Day of Atonement falls on the day when Moses returned from Mount Sinai with the second set of commandments. The giving and reading of the Law cleansed the Israelites from the sin of the Golden Calf and all that came before the giving of the Law. The eight days before Yom Kippur focus the thoughts of the people on their relationship with God and each Jewish adult believer engages in prayers, acts of charity and repentance so he is ready for the Day of Atonement.
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References
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