Yom Kippur begins at sundown on September 18th and ends at nightfall on September 19th. Also known as the Day of Atonement, this holiday is the most significant and sacred Jewish holiday. Jews ask for clemency for their sins from the past year. Here we came up with a list of fun facts about this religious holiday.

Fasting During Yom Kippur

To help ensure Jews devote themselves to the sincerest Cheshbon Hanefesh (accounting of the soul) they must fast on Yom Kippur. If you’re a female over the age of 12 or a male over the age of 13, you must abstain from eating and drinking following two Torah commandments: “For a soul which is not afflicted on that day will be cut off” (Leviticus 23:29) and “You shall afflict your souls” (Leviticus 16:29).

 

No Bathing During Yom Kippur

As much as we would like to advise the importance of personal hygiene, if you’re following the religious holiday of Yom Kippur, you will not be able to shower for two days. This includes washing body parts with a wet cloth, shaving or bathing with hand sanitizer. If you MUST bathe or wash for health reasons, make sure to have your rabbi’s phone in hand.

 

No Hanky Panky During Yom Kippur

During Yom Kippur, you would expect marital intimacy to be out of the question, since bathing is prohibited. Your body must be centered and paying attention to the sins of the past year, so having sexual relations is prohibited.

 

CrocsPhoto courtesy of Celine Nadeau

Do Not Wear Leather Shoes or Jewelry During Yom Kippur

Bring out your crocs for Yom Kippur! When it comes to wearing shoes during the religious holiday, shoes must be made of rubber, straw or cloth materials. If you happen to step on mud, don’t touch the shoes. Remember it’s all about purifying your soul.

Our Israel tours take you to Israel during Yom Kippur. Call us today to plan a trip of a lifetime!