Yom Kippur 5787 is here, and for many worshippers the most important practical information is when the fast begins and ends. Ahead of Judaism's holiest day, Israel Hayom publishes the precise start and end times for cities across Israel.
In Jerusalem, the fast begins relatively early, at 5:59 p.m., and ends the following day at 7:14 p.m. Tel Aviv residents, by contrast, begin fasting at 6:18 p.m. and conclude the fast after nightfall at 7:16 p.m.
In northern Israel, the fast begins in Haifa at 6:10 p.m. and ends at 7:15 p.m. In Safed, a city renowned for its centuries-old tradition of Jewish mysticism, the fast begins at 6:08 p.m. and ends at precisely 7:13 p.m.
Southern Israel is also preparing for the holy day. In Beersheba, the fast begins at 6:20 p.m. and ends at 7:15 p.m. In Eilat, Israel's southernmost city, residents begin fasting at 6:09 p.m. and break the fast the following evening at 7:14 p.m.
Atonement, introspection and forgiveness
Beyond the physical fast, Yom Kippur is one of the most significant days of the Jewish year. It is a day on which Jews withdraw from the noise of the outside world and distance themselves from the material aspects of life. Jewish tradition explains the five forms of self-denial as a way of making people resemble the angels, an idea also associated with the custom of wearing white.
The day's profound importance stems from the opportunity it provides to stand before the Creator and confront ourselves. The aim is to clear away the burdens of the past and begin again with a clean slate, which is why the day is associated with atonement and purification. According to Jewish tradition, it was on Yom Kippur that the people of Israel were forgiven for the sin of the Golden Calf and Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the second set of Tablets, establishing the date for future generations as a time of divine mercy.
Yom Kippur's atonement operates on two principal levels. The first concerns the relationship between an individual and God and transgressions committed against Him. Jewish tradition teaches that the gates of repentance remain open to those who sincerely seek to return.
The second level, a fundamental condition for atonement, requires people to seek forgiveness from those they have wronged. Jewish teaching makes clear that Yom Kippur does not atone for offenses against another person until the offender has made amends with that person.
Despite the day's solemnity, Yom Kippur is not considered a day of sadness. Rather, Jewish thought regards it as a day of profound spiritual joy, offering each person an exceptional opportunity for growth, renewal and inner peace.
