Observation of Yom Kippur (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Atonement

• There are many religious reasons that Jews observe Yom Kippur

• One of the main reasons is so that they can atone for their sins over the past year

  • Jews ask for G-d’s forgiveness through prayer, fasting and confession

  • It is a chance to be spiritually cleansed and to start fresh

  • This is supported by scripture in the Jewish bible:

Obedience

• Another religious reason is that it is showing obedience to G-d’s command

  • The Torah commands Jews to observe Yom Kippur as a holy day of rest and fasting

  • Observing it shows obedience and respect for G-d’s laws

Repentance

• Repentance is another important religious purpose of Yom Kippur

  • It is a time when Jews can reflect on their actions and try to return to G-d

  • This is done through the process of Teshuvah

• Yom Kippur gives Jews a chance to start the new year with a clean slate

  • It follows Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), when G-d begins judging people's deeds

• Jews believe that on Yom Kippur, G-d seals the Book of Life, deciding people’s fates for the coming year

  • Observing the day seriously can lead to a favourable judgment

• Through prayer and worship, Jews believe they can reconnect with G-d

  • The Neilah (closing) prayer is especially emotional and powerful and acts as a final plea before the “gates of heaven” close

The social reasons for observing Yom Kippur

• There are also social reasons for observing Yom Kippur

• It is an opportunity for Jews to repair relationships with others

  • Jews are expected to apologise to people they have wronged before asking G-d for forgiveness

• Yom Kippur also helps to strengthen community bonds

• Services are held in the synagogue, bringing the community together in prayer and reflection

• Shared fasting and worship also create a sense of unity and shared purpose

• The festival encourages forgiveness and understanding of others

  • This can lead to stronger, healthier relationships and promote peace within families and communities

• The practices during the festival allow people to reflect upon personal actions, including how they have treated others

  • This may encourage people to be more considerate in the future

• Observing Yom Kippur connects Jews worldwide through shared beliefs and practices

  • This can help strengthen Jewish identity and give Jews a sense of belonging

Different ways Yom Kippur is observed within Judaism

• While all Jewish traditions see Yom Kippur as a day of atonement, there are differences in how it is observed across Jewish traditions

Orthodox Judaism

• Within Orthodox Judaism, traditional laws are followed 

  • Fasting for 25 hours without food or drink is strictly adhered to

  • All five synagogue services are attended, including Kol Nidrei and Neilah

  • The prayers are often longer and are said in Hebrew

  • Men wear a kittel (white robe), and some also wear a tallit (prayer shawl) all day

  • Everyone observes all of the restrictions for the day, for example, no washing, no leather, no work

  • The focus is on obedience to halakhah (Jewish law) and deep spiritual repentance

Reform Judaism

• Yom Kippur is also observed within Reform Judaism, but there may be some differences from Orthodox Judaism:

  • It is also a day of reflection and moral responsibility, but with more flexibility

  • Fasting is encouraged but not mandatory for everyone

  • Services are usually shorter and more accessible, often in English

  • Services may include modern prayers alongside traditional ones

  • Men and women are more likely to have equal roles in the religious practice

  • Some Reform Jews may not follow all physical prohibitions (for example, wearing leather shoes)

  • There is a greater focus on inner reflection and committing good deeds