• (248) 478-7610
  • info@SHJ.org
  • Subscribe to eNews
  • The Store
  • Contact Us
  • Our Blog
Society for Humanistic Judaism
  • Meaning & Learning
    • What Is Humanistic Judaism?
      • Humanistic Judaism FAQ
      • Are You a Humanistic Jew?
      • Ask the Rabbi
      • Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine
    • Humanistic Judaism Magazine
      • Past Issues of Humanistic Judaism Magazine
      • Subscribe
    • Humanistic Jewish Role Models
    • The Store
  • Living It
    • Celebrate Holidays
      • Hanukkah
      • Lag B’Omer
      • Passover
      • Purim
      • Rosh Hashanah
      • Shabbat and Havdalah
      • Shavuot
      • Simchat Torah
      • Sukkot
      • Tisha B’Av
      • Tu Bi’Shevat
      • Yom HaAtzma’ut
      • Yom HaShoah
      • Yom HaZikaron
      • Yom Kippur
    • Life Cycle Events
      • Birth
      • Weddings
      • Cultural B Mitzvah (Bar/Bat Mitzvah)
      • End of Life
    • Radical Inclusion
      • Who is a Jew?
      • Becoming a Humanistic Jew
    • Youth Programs
      • HuJews Youth Movement
      • Sunday Schools
  • Organize
    • Social Justice: Issues and Resolutions
    • Community Service
    • Jews for a Secular Democracy
    • Build Community
      • Start a Humanistic Jewish Community
      • Grow Your Humanistic Jewish Community
    • Movement Advocacy and News
      • SHJ Members Access
      • STW Lifetime Achievement Award
      • Affiliations
  • Connect
    • Find a Community
    • Members Log-In
    • Join/Renew
    • Donate
    • Join the Conversation
      • Ask the Rabbi
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Contact Us
  • About Us
    • Mission and Vision
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Calendar
    • Job Opportunities
DONATE

Yom Kippur

Home Living Humanistic Judaism Celebrate Holidays Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, occurring on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah. Though it is traditionally a day of fasting and prayer at the synagogue, for  Humanistic Jews, Yom Kippur is the culmination of the introspection begun on Rosh Hashanah. The holiday offers the opportunity to ask forgiveness from ourselves and those we have wronged, and to vow to be active, involved, caring people in the coming year. It is also a time for remembrance.  Some Humanistic Jews fast, some do not. Those who choose to fast may do so to connect with the Jewish community or to raise consciousness about world hunger.

A Humanistic Yom Kippur evening service often includes the singing of the traditional Kol Nidre (“All Vows”). This haunting and familiar melody serves as a reminder of our humanness and our fallibility.

Many Humanistic Jewish communities hold a memorial service on Yom Kippur, with the option of including a Humanistic Kaddish (members can access here) and the holiday often concludes with the sounding of the shofar one final time, as an expression of our hopes and commitment for the coming year.  

For a schedule of Yom Kippur services in SHJ communities, follow this link!

 

Search the Site

Facebook

Follow Us

  • Donate
  • The Store
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home

Humanistic Judaism Makes Life Better

Thankfulness and mindfulness without dogma. Faith in our fellow people. Modern meaning in ancient traditions. Using only the words that match our beliefs. Humanistic values of equality, honesty, and integrity. Good food. Jewish humor. Links to a fascinating history and peoplehood. Support from like-minded sojourners. Powerful lifecycle events. Rituals to keep us grounded. Rich cultural heritage. Fun holidays. Connection to the natural universe. Ethical values in action. Bringing light through learning and laughter. AND… celebrating our full diversity, including Jewish, Jew-ish, not yet Jewish, never gonna be Jewish; atheist, agnostic, secular, humanist, freethinker, spiritual-not-religious; in-married, intermarried, interculturally married, single, divorced, nontraditional, polyamorous; multiracial, people of color, all heritages and backgrounds; people with and without disabilities and neurodiversity; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, heterosexual, nonconforming; and all who come in kindness and sincerity!

All Content Copyright © 2022 | Society for Humanistic Judaism