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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 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!

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The following was written by Rabbi Jeffrey L. Falick for the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit‘s September 3, 2024 blog post.  Take a

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The Lord Is My Shepherd (Or Not)

This article was recently published in the Spring 2024 issue of Humanistic Judaism Magazine. The excerpt is taken from a Yom Kippur address in 2009 which was pr

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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!

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