The team at SECC is thinking of all our friends who marked the occasion of Yom Kippur this week.
Yom Kippur 2021 began on Wednesday night, 15 September, and ended on Thursday night, 16 September.
Many of our Jewish clients spent this time fasting and praying, as this is a meaningful sacred holiday for the community.
Also known as the Day of Atonement, this holiday centres on atonement and repentance.
Many Jewish Australians believe God seals their fate for the coming year on Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur involves fasting, praying and reflection. Some people perform the Kaparot (or Kaparoth) ritual before Yom Kippur as a form of atonement using chickens or money.
According to The Great Synagogue in Sydney, Jews traditionally abstain from the following during Yom Kippur:
- Food and drink
- Wearing leather shoes
- Bathing or washing
- Using creams, perfumes or lotions
- Having sex
Traditionally, Jews commune at synagogues on Yom Kippur, and its end is marked with a celebration with family.
But with COVID-19 lockdowns affecting much of Australia, some synagogues held virtual services this year.
G’mar chatima tovah from your SECC friends.