The Most Solemn and Holy Day on the Jewish Calendar

Traditionally, the Jewish New Year is marked by the blowing of the shofar, which begins ten days of repentance, concluding on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is commonly observed by fasting, praying in the synagogue, wearing white (to symbolize purity), and making amends with those whom one has wronged in the past year. Its central theme is repentance.

Leviticus 16:29 mandates the observance of Yom Kippur for ancient Israel, and Jews around the world commemorate this day every year.

As the global Jewish community observes this day focused on repentance, let us reflect on our own obedience to God’s commands to bless and pray for Israel (Genesis 12:3, Psalm 122:6). As Israel pursues its righteous mission against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have we done all that we can to follow God’s Word and stand up for His People?