Observation of Yom Kippur (Cambridge International IGCSE Religious Studies)

The religious reasons for observing Yom Kippur

Atonement

• There are many religious reasons that Jews observe Yom Kippur

• One of the main reasons is so that they can atone for their sins over the past year

  • Jews ask for G-d’s forgiveness through prayer, fasting and confession
  • It is a chance to be spiritually cleansed and to start fresh
  • This is supported by scripture in the Jewish bible:

blockquote “For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you”

(Leviticus 16:30)

Obedience

• Another religious reason is that it is showing obedience to G-d’s command

  • The Torah commands Jews to observe Yom Kippur as a holy day of rest and fasting
  • Observing it shows obedience and respect for G-d’s laws

blockquote “For on this day atonement shall be made for you, to purify you from all your sins; before the Lord, you shall be purified” (Leviticus 16:30)

Repentance

• Repentance is another important religious purpose of Yom Kippur

  • It is a time when Jews can reflect on their actions and try to return to G-d
  • This is done through the process of Teshuvah

• Yom Kippur gives Jews a chance to start the new year with a clean slate

  • It follows Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), when G-d begins judging people's deeds

• Jews believe that on Yom Kippur, G-d seals the Book of Life, deciding people’s fates for the coming year

  • Observing the day seriously can lead to a favourable judgment

• Through prayer and worship, Jews believe they can reconnect with G-d

  • The Neilah (closing) prayer is especially emotional and powerful and acts as a final plea before the “gates of heaven” close

The social reasons for observing Yom Kippur

• There are also social reasons for observing Yom Kippur

• It is an opportunity for Jews to repair relationships with others

  • Jews are expected to apologise to people they have wronged before asking G-d for forgiveness

blockquote "For sins against another person, Yom Kippur does not bring atonement until one has made peace with them" (Talmud)

• Yom Kippur also helps to strengthen community bonds

• Services are held in the synagogue, bringing the community together in prayer and reflection

• Shared fasting and worship also create a sense of unity and shared purpose

• The festival encourages forgiveness and understanding of others

  • This can lead to stronger,healthier relationships and promote peace within families and communities

• The practices during the festival allow people to reflect upon personal actions, including how they have treated others

  • This may encourage people to be more considerate in the future

• Observing Yom Kippur connects Jews worldwide through shared beliefs and practices

  • This can help strengthen Jewish identity and give Jews a sense of belonging

Different ways Yom Kippur is observed within Judaism

Spec point — J4.2g

• While all Jewish traditions see Yom Kippur as a day of atonement, there are differences in how it is observed across Jewish traditions

Orthodox Judaism

• Within Orthodox Judaism, traditional laws are followed

  • Fasting for 25 hours without food or drink is strictly adhered to
  • All five synagogue services are attended, including Kol Nidrei and Neilah
  • The prayers are often longer and are said in Hebrew
  • Men wear a **kittel (white robe), and some also wear a tallit **(prayer shawl) all day
  • Everyone observes all of the restrictions for the day, for example, no washing,** no leather**,no work
  • The focus is on obedience to halakhah (Jewish law) and deep spiritual repentance

Reform Judaism

• Yom Kippur is also observed within Reform Judaism, but there may be some differences from Orthodox Judaism:

  • It is also a day of reflection and moral responsibility, but with more flexibility
  • Fasting is encouraged but **not mandatory **for everyone
  • Services are usually** shorter and more accessible, often in English**
  • Services may include modern prayers alongside traditional ones
  • Men and women are more likely to have equal roles in the religious practice
  • Some Reform Jews may not follow all physical prohibitions(for example, wearing leather shoes)
  • There is a greater focus on inner reflection and committing good deeds

Worked Example Give two reasons why Jews observe Yom Kippur

[2 marks]

Final answer: Answer:

To atone for their sins [1]

To have a fresh start for the next year [1]

Exam Hint When preparing for questions relating to this topic, try to use keywords clearly

Religious: Teshuvah, atonement, repentance, forgiveness, Torah, sin, G-d’s judgment

Social: Reconciliation, community, relationships, asking forgiveness from others, unity

Show you understand both the spiritual and human side of the festival

Include references to Jewish teachings

Use brief references to texts such as the following:

Leviticus 16:30 — “To cleanse you of all your sins before the Lord”

Talmud — “Yom Kippur does not atone for sins between people until peace is made”