Yom Kippur 5783 FC
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בייה Yom Kippur 5783 FC Yom Kippur is the designated day when Jewish people empty their hearts before God. We cherish our special, unusual, unique, intimate, individual time before God. Yom Kippur is our annual tailor-made spiritual renewal, where we receive encouragement. We come together from various places and join in harmony and unity with one goal. Words cannot describe the gargantuan greatness of this idiosyncratic day. We are humbled, forgiven, and restored. Then we are returned to our world with determination, purpose, resoluteness, lovingkindness, and blessings. Yom Kippur is an exhilarating successful time. The greatness of this one day is unimaginable. It is seven months times ten days, 7 x 10 = 70. How many descendants of Jacob came with him to Egypt? (Genesis 46.27) says, ‘All the soul of the house of Jacob, who came to Egypt, were seventy.’Ha Torah teaches us about their unity in Spirit. They were כָּל־הַנֶּפֶשׁ all one soul. Our Sages teach that (Genesis 10) speaks of the seventy nations and seventy languages raised up from Noah. Remember the 70 elders. (Numbers 11.16) says, ‘And the Lord said to Moses, Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people.’ On Yom Kippur, HaShem, His Hosts, Angels / Messengers, and Elders join us in Spirit and blessing. I look forward to sharing this amazing time with each of you. The Command (Leviticus 23.26 – 28) says, ‘And the Lord Spoke to Moses, saying, on the tenth day of the seventh month / Tishri / הַשְּׁבִיעִי Ha Shi Vee Ee there shall be a יוֹם day of הַכִּפֻּרִים atonement. It shall be a Holy/Separated gathering to you; וְעִנִּיתֶם Vih Ee Nee Tehm, and you shall afflict [אֶת Eht – entirely afflict] נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם Nah Fih Sho Tay Chem – your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before ‘Lord your God.’ The Gathering Those who can gather should try to do so at least 18 minutes before sunset on Tuesday, October 3, 2022 [for Yom Kippur 5783]. That helps build a foundation of Holiness. Ha Torah instructs us to assemble. How we assemble may vary. Our מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ Mee Qih Raw – assembling [is to be], Qoh Dehsh – A Holy Separated [assembling]. Some acts one may associate with Holiness are not wearing leather, bathing, washing, wearing colognes, perfumes splashes, and clothing that draws attention to the body and marital relations. The Services Maariv is the name for the evening prayer. On Yom Kippur we pray Kol Nidre. We are led in an Aramaic prayer annulling our vows before God. Some teach that one who repeats the same act three times may have constituted a vow before God in addition to our promises and actions. In some congregations, It is customary for married men to wear a white robe called a kittel that reminds us of the day of death—also, men and some women wear a tallit/prayer shawl. Yom Kippur morning begins early with Shacharit. Prayers continue throughout the day until after dark/Maariv. Shacharit is followed by Mussaf, Minchah, and Neilah [closing the gates]. Yom Kippur ends with the recitation of Shema Yisroel, followed by the blowing of the shofar. Fasts conclude. We pray Maariv and then enjoy some food and drink. The Affliction Ha Torah directs us to afflict our souls entirely. The overall consensus is that means to fast. The definition of fasting and length of fasting varies. Traditional Jewish fasting is no water, no food, and no consumption of any kind. HOWEVER, There are some important exceptions. Children, mothers who suckle, pregnant women, people with illness, individuals on medication, and the elderly are not required to fast. One should consult their rabbi and their doctor if they have any questions. Living takes precedence over fasting. Some individuals who cannot and should not fast may curtail what they consume and choose good healthy dishes that are not among their favorites. No one should jeopardize their health or anyone else’s health. Dear Ones, when we try to follow Ha Torah in Unison, our world trembles. Our prayers beckon Moshiach to come resolved problems and settle issues. We enjoyed your calmness and peace. We encourage our family and friends To participate in this blessed event that begins in just a few hours. May our fasts and afflictions be successful. Our hope and prayer for everyone are that Yom Kippur 5783 will be an exceptionally successful time of forgiveness, giving Tzedakah and receiving many blessings. Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk |
