ACTIVITY IDEAS YOM KIPPUR ‘Sorry, seems to be the hardest word’ Before Yom Kippur we ask What is it? for other people to forgive Yom Kippur is a major holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do us for any wrong-doings not keep any other Jewish custom will not go to work, and will fast that might have happened and/or attend Synagogue on this day. over the year. It is a time to The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," which is a day to end rows. This is because pray for forgiveness for sins made over the past year. It is one of the on Yom Kippur we only holiest days in the Jewish year and is a fast day, no food or water, lasting pray for sins between man 25 hours. All the rules of Shabbat apply to Yom Kippur, the 'Sabbath of Sabbaths' and no cooking is to be done. and God, not for sins against another person. It is thought that one's fate for the coming year is decided (and 'written down') on Rosh Hashanah but is not final (or 'sealed') until Yom Kippur. We also have to pray as a The days after Rosh Hashanah are known as the 'days of repentance' community rather than an giving people the chance to pray and repent to change their fate. individual, using the word Yom Kippur is the end of this time of repentance. ‘we’ instead of ‘I’. When is it? Yom Kippur is the 10th of the Hebrew month of Tishri and falls in either September or October of each year.

Customs It is customary to wear white on Yom Kippur. White symbolizes purity and reminds people that the sins they are asking forgiveness for shall be made ‘as white as snow.’ The laws of the festival do not permit washing, putting on aftershave, perfume or make up, or wearing leather shoes (many people would wear canvas shoes on Yom Kippur). As always, any of these customs can be lifted where a threat to life or health is involved.

In the Synagogue In the Synagogue, the reading desk, the ark and Torah scrolls have white covers which are used only on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For many people the two most important parts of the festival are Kol Nidre and Yizkor (memorial). The evening service starts with the Kol Nidre prayer carried out in a mellow and soul stirring tunes, setting the sombre and sad tone for the rest of the festival. The Yizkor service can take place at any time during Yom Kippur day when it is easiest for all. Ensure that everyone knows what time the services take place by placing large notices in the centre or home. The Shofar is blown at the end of the Yom Kippur day.

Feelings Many people may feel a sense of loss over Yom Kippur as it is a time when families get together. Others also may feel some regret at not being able to fast. We all need to be extra sensitive to residents’ and members’ feelings on this day.

Greetings A typical saying is ‘Good Yom Tov’ or “wish you well over the fast”. Schedule for Care Homes Evening before fast commences; • The meal before the fast should be nourishing but should not contain spices that may create thirst or cause indigestion. • The meal should be served early and be over in good time so the candles and memorial lights can be lit before the fast begins. • The candles are lit with the special blessing of "SHEHECHEYANU". In addition to the usual festival candles, some residents may request a 'Yahrzeit' candle (memorial candle) and this should be available, alternatively, one memorial light can serve for all.

Day of Yom Kippur • No-one should be allowed to become ill due to fasting. • Drinks, flasks of soups and uncooked snacks should be available for residents suffering from ill health and served in a discreet way so as not to offend those who continue to fast. • A simple soup and sandwich lunch can be offered at the normal meal times and removed from the dining room at the end of ordinary meal times. This is an important health and safety issue because our homes are hot and sandwiches can only be displayed for the shortest possible time. If, however, any resident has been attempting to fast and finds that they would like to break their fast, they can of course, ask for food at any time. • Drinks should be available at all times. • Residents may wish to wear slippers as the wearing of leather shoes is not permitted on Yom Kippur. One should also not bathe for pleasure on this day. • Residents should be made aware of the times of the services especially Yizkor during the day and when the fast ends, although many residents may want supper at the usual time.

Breaking the fast • When the fast ends tea and (honey) cake should be ready for the breaking of the fast. • Because no cooking is permitted until after the fast concludes an easily prepared or cold meal should be planned to follow the tea and cake.