Tuesday, September 22, 2015

About the Day of Atonement

On the eve of the most somber day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, I think about what I have to atone for.

And then I realize I am always atoning for something. That’s an existential fact, at least for me. It’s a given that I could have, and should have, and didn’t do better.


I will forgive all the kind-hearted people who greet Jews tomorrow with a well meaning “Happy Yom Kippur.” I’ve been guilty of worse when it comes to unfamiliar cultures. I have a lot to learn about a lot of things.
{And what’s with the meal table? ^ It’s a day of fasting!}

So, no, this is not a happy holiday sort of day. Guilt is not a happy place. We're much happier when the day is done. But guilt has an important and legitimate function, as we who are Jewish know.

To anyone I may have offended, I'm sorry.

May you be signed and sealed in the book of life.

7 comments:

Evelyn said...

I hope your day of atonement will be a blessed time for you and all your loved ones, dear Mirka.

Kelly Hashway said...

I definitely never knew this. Thanks for clearing this up, Mirka. I hope I've never mistakenly wished anyone a happy Yom Kippur.

Diane Kress Hower said...

May your day of at one ment be reflective for you however it serves you best, my friend. Dn

Vijaya said...

I was thinking about this Mirka and until John Henry Newman pointed it out, I didn't know how brilliant it was ... at-one-ment (it's being reconciled). Be blessed.

Becky Shillington said...

Blessings to you today, Mirka.

Johnell said...

Very neat. And it looks like a special supermoon on Feast of the Tabernacles this Sunday. Kinda cool.

Yanting Gueh said...

I didn't know this about Yom Kippur either. Hope I haven't wished anyone Happy Atonement. (Coincidentally, I caught the film Atonement on TV this morning ...)