Yom Kippur
Customs
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Conservative Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur Evening Services
This excerpt from the Conservative Machzor Lev Shalom for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts for the entire
Proclamation of Faith from Neilah Service
This link from Chabad.org presents an audio recording of the apex of the Neilah service, the closing service of the day, where,
The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
This video presents a popular Ashkenazi melody for the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Enumerated in Exodus 34:6–7 these Divine Attributes are frequently recited
Ki Anu Amecha: A Yom Kippur Piyut
This video presents a well known melody for “Ki Anu Amecha,” one of the most iconic pieces from the Yom
Text & Exploration of the Al Chet Section of Vidui (Confessions)
This article by Rabbi Shraga Simmons explores each line of part of the “Al Chet” portion of the Vidui confession, recited during each
Ahavnu: A Positive Version of the Ashamnu Vidui Prayer
This post presents Rabbi Avi Weiss’ positive version of the Ashamnu prayer, an alphabetical acrostic of 22 sins recited during
Guide to the Ashamnu Portion of the Vidui (Confessions)
This link provides introductory information to the “Ashamnu” part of the Vidui (Confession) liturgy, including the Hebrew, English and transliterated
Egalitarian Versions of Hu Ya’anenu (Selichot & Yom Kippur)
This post provides links to several different versions of “Hu Ya’anenu,” a prayer that recalls how God mercifully answered our
Text for Kaparot with Money
This post presents the Hebrew and English texts of the traditional Kaparot ceremony over money, in which the sins of a
Moroccan Kol Nidrei
This audio recording (9:23) presents an authentic Moroccan Sephardi Kol Nidrei sung by Rabbi Eliahou Elbaz from Meknes, Morocco. In the opening services
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s Kol Nidrei
This 6 minute long audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing a moving rendition of Kol Nidrei, the opening services on the eve of
Tkhine of the Matriarchs for Yizkor
This “tkhine” (supplication) is a para-liturgical prayer in Yiddish with an English translation that is meant to be recited following the
Humanistic Yom Kippur Services
This post offers links to complete Yom Kippur services from Kahal B’raira, a congregation for Humanistic Judaism in Cambridge, MA. Inspired
Selichot at the Western Wall
This short video shows thousands of Jews gathering together for the final night of Selichot prayers before Yom Kippur at
We Need Justice and Kindness: A Humanistic Prayer for Selichot
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated words for a prayer for justice, kindness, and social responsibility written by Humanistic
Selichot Service with Kabbalistic Intentions
This link opens up a 38 page long Kabbalistic Selichot Service, containing the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of traditional prayers,
Psalm 27: A Psalm for the High Holiday Season
This post offers the Hebrew and English text of Psalm 27, recited twice daily from the beginning of the Hebrew
How to Find a Machzor (High Holiday Prayer Book)
This comprehensive article serves as a guide to finding the right High Holiday Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
Audio Recordings of Sephardic High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the High Holiday section of the Sephardic Hazzanut Project website, where you can listen
Yizkor: The Memorial Prayer
This informative article from Chabad.org provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated text for the Yizkor memorial prayer recited following the
Learn How
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A Guide to Yom Kippur Prayers
This informative article by Conservative Rabbi Daniel Kohn provides a guide for Yom Kippur prayer services, including the origins, content, and rituals of each of
How to Observe Yom Kippur 2018
This introductory article from Chabad.org explains the history, customs and deep spiritual significance of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. The article
Tips for an Easy Fast
In this practical article from Judaism 101, the author, Tracey Rich, provides helpful tips to stay healthy during the Yom Kippur fast. Including
Guide to the Ashamnu Portion of the Vidui (Confessions)
This link provides introductory information to the “Ashamnu” part of the Vidui (Confession) liturgy, including the Hebrew, English and transliterated
What To Do the Day Before Yom Kippur
This introductory article from Chabad.org provides a brief overview of the mitzvot and rituals performed on the day before Yom Kippur, according to Orthodox
Where to Stream High Holiday Services Online
This article provides a list of non-denominational, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Renewal synagogues around the world that live-stream their High Holiday prayer services
Yom Kippur: The Three Levels of Forgiveness
In this 3.5 minute long video from Aish.com, Orthodox Rabbi, Etiel Goldwicht explores how to truly forgive someone who has hurt you
A Guide to the High Holiday Prayers
This thorough article provides an overview of the contents, structure and themes of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayer
How to Find a Machzor (High Holiday Prayer Book)
This comprehensive article serves as a guide to finding the right High Holiday Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
How to Make High Holiday Synagogue Services Meaningful
This honest article presents six simple tips to transform lengthy, frustrating services into a meaningful prayer experience. With an emphasis
How to Make a Shofar
This 4 minute long video shows how a ram’s horn is transformed into a shofar, the musical instrument and ritual
Maimonides’ 4 Steps to Teshuvah
This short video outlines the four steps to teshuvah (repentance), according to Maimonides: regret our actions, stop doing them, confess
Yizkor: The Memorial Prayer
This informative article from Chabad.org provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated text for the Yizkor memorial prayer recited following the
Informative Articles & Videos
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What is Yom Kippur?
This 4-minute long animated video presents an excellent overview of the origins, significance and customs of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on
Yom Kippur: The Three Levels of Forgiveness
In this 3.5 minute long video from Aish.com, Orthodox Rabbi, Etiel Goldwicht explores how to truly forgive someone who has hurt you
Yom Kippur Cheat Sheet: Readings to Help You Focus
This 4-page long PDF document is full of profound poems, prayers, quotes and readings that will help you focus on
Text & Exploration of the Al Chet Section of Vidui (Confessions)
This article by Rabbi Shraga Simmons explores each line of part of the “Al Chet” portion of the Vidui confession, recited during each
Guide to the Ashamnu Portion of the Vidui (Confessions)
This link provides introductory information to the “Ashamnu” part of the Vidui (Confession) liturgy, including the Hebrew, English and transliterated
What To Do the Day Before Yom Kippur
This introductory article from Chabad.org provides a brief overview of the mitzvot and rituals performed on the day before Yom Kippur, according to Orthodox
How to Observe Yom Kippur 2018
This introductory article from Chabad.org explains the history, customs and deep spiritual significance of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. The article
Humanistic Judaism’s Approach to Yom Kippur
This introductory article from the Society for Humanistic Judaism explains the themes and customs of Yom Kippur according to the
A Guide to Yom Kippur Prayers
This informative article by Conservative Rabbi Daniel Kohn provides a guide for Yom Kippur prayer services, including the origins, content, and rituals of each of
Yom Kippur FAQ: All About the Day of Atonement
This thorough article answers all of your questions about Yom Kippur, including a basic introduction to the Jewish Day of Atonement,
Yom Kippur: How God Helps Us Come Clean
In this short yet profound video, Charlie Harary compares the relationship between a child and parent to that of man and God, claiming
Yom Kippur: Everyone Falls
In this empowering video (04:37), Charlie Harary reminds us that failure is an inevitable part of the human experience in every aspect of
The Secret to a Guilt-Free Yom Kippur
In this short but empowering video, social worker, Chayi Hanfling, encourages viewers to understand the crucial difference between negative guilt
Jewish Holidays Explained: What is Yom Kippur?
This short video provides a brief introduction to the process of teshuvah (repentance), culminating in the holiday of Yom Kippur. Rabbi John Carrier of
Yom Kippur: Becoming the Artists of Our Own Lives
In this creative 5 minute long video, Rabbi Irwin Kula describes the significance of Yom Kippur using an analogy that our
Yom Kippur in 60 Seconds
This minute long animated video presents a brief overview of the origins, significance and customs of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the
The Crash Course on Yom Kippur
In this 6-minute long video, Orthodox Rabbi, Avraham Goldhar, presents an excellent overview of the significance and customs of Yom Kippur, “a
Maimonides’ 4 Steps to Teshuvah
This short video outlines the four steps to teshuvah (repentance), according to Maimonides: regret our actions, stop doing them, confess
Feeling the Love in Judgement: Special for the High Holidays
In this short and sweet animated video, Rabbi David Aaron shares the profound message that judgement is actually an act
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Music
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Barbra Streisand’s Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King)
This video presents Jewish American singer, actress, and filmmaker, Barbra Streisand, performing Avinu Malkeinu for former Israeli President Simon Peres at his
Ki Anu Amecha: A Yom Kippur Piyut
This video presents a well known melody for “Ki Anu Amecha,” one of the most iconic pieces from the Yom
Jazz/Classical/Folk Version of Sephardic El Nora Alila Piyut
In this video, Italian Jewish singer Charlette Shulamit Ottolenghi performs a unique version of El Nora Alila, combining jazz, classical and folk music
At the Closing of the Gates: A Neilah Song
This video presents a gentle welcome to the Neilah service at the end of Yom Kippur, written and performed by Irwin Keller, spiritual
A Yiddish Yom Kippur Song: Odom Yesodo Meofor
This video presents a Yiddish song based on “Odom Yesodo Meofor,” one of the core High Holiday Prayers of the
Tap Your Heart: A Catchy “Ashamnu” for Kids
In this sweet video, Eliana Light presents a catchy children’s song based on the “Ashamnu” part of the Vidui (Confession) liturgy.
The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
This video presents a popular Ashkenazi melody for the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Enumerated in Exodus 34:6–7 these Divine Attributes are frequently recited
The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Ki Anu Amecha
This video presents Israeli singer Erez Lev Ari performing the popular Chabad melody for “Ki Anu Amecha,” one of the most iconic
Leonard Cohen: Who By Fire
This video presents Who By Fire, a haunting song by the late Jewish Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen based on the
Phish’s Avinu Malkeinu (My Father, My King)
This video presents the American jam band, Phish, performing their version of Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King), a desperate plea for
Mogwai’s Heavy Metal Avinu Malkeinu (My Father, My King)
This video presents the Scottish post-rock band, Mogwai, performing a 10 minute long heavy metal version of Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father,
Review, Restart, and Release: A Yom Kippur Hymn
This video presents an original Yom Kippur hymn by Phil Straus, where the photographer explores what Yom Kippur means to
Guide to the Ashamnu Portion of the Vidui (Confessions)
This link provides introductory information to the “Ashamnu” part of the Vidui (Confession) liturgy, including the Hebrew, English and transliterated
Yom Kippur: A Book of Jonah Rock Song
This animated music video connects the biblical story of Jonah, read during the Yom Kippur afternoon haftarah, to the day’s themes of
Moroccan Kol Nidrei
This audio recording (9:23) presents an authentic Moroccan Sephardi Kol Nidrei sung by Rabbi Eliahou Elbaz from Meknes, Morocco. In the opening services
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s Kol Nidrei
This 6 minute long audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing a moving rendition of Kol Nidrei, the opening services on the eve of
Neil Diamond’s Kol Nidrei from “The Jazz Singer”
This short clip is from the 1980 American drama film, The Jazz Singer, in which the son of a Jewish Cantor
A Calming Melody for the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
This post offers the Hebrew and English text of The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, as well as a calming melody composed by The Nava
Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
Audio Recordings of Sephardic High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the High Holiday section of the Sephardic Hazzanut Project website, where you can listen
L’Shana Haba’ah: Next Year in Jerusalem
This song captures the eternal Jewish hope and prayer for the return to Jerusalem. Even though the Jewish people have
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A Book of Jonah Play for Yom Kippur Afternoon
This post offers the 12-page script of a creative play designed to supplement or replace the reading of the Book of
Turning & Returning: A Yom Kippur Poem
This poetic prayer by Rabbi Shelly Barnathan asks God to help us connect to the pure essence of our divine
The eScapegoat: A Modern Take on the Biblical Yom Kippur Ritual
This humorous, animated video introduces the eScapegoat – a modern take on the biblical ritual where the sins of the
Exploring the Al Het Confessional Prayer Through Jewish Peoplehood
This post explores the idea of collective responsibility through the text of the “Al Het” confession liturgy from Yom Kippur
Deconstructed Al Het Activity
This link will lead you to a detailed outline of a ritual activity based on the traditional “Al Het” confessional
Prayers, Meditations, Stories & Poems for Yom Kippur
This post offers a list of links to prayers, meditations, stories and poetry for Yom Kippur, written by Alden Solovy, a
Sandy Koufax & Yom Kippur
This short video from abc 7 news looks back at the impact of the historical moment in both sports and
Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv
With scenes of empty highways, closed shops, and deserted beaches, this video shows how one day a year – on
Jewish Emptiness: Kavannot for Kol Nidrei
This post presents ideas and guiding questions to be contemplated to oneself or as a community before Kol Nidrei, the
Mikveh Ritual of Purification for Yom Kippur
This post provides the outline and texts for a mikveh immersion ceremony to spiritually prepare for Yom Kippur. With guiding questions,
Enhancing Our Fast with Meditation, Ritual, Blessing & Teaching
This article provides resources to help one focus on the spiritual essence of the Yom Kippur fast, including a meditation
Meditation before Yom Kippur for One Who Cannot Fast
This poem is a meditation written by Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub to enable those who cannot fast on Yom Kippur
A Vidui Meditation
This post presents a personal, meditative approach to the Ashamnu prayer, an alphabetical acrostic of 22 sins recited during each of
Ahavnu: A Positive Version of the Ashamnu Vidui Prayer
This post presents Rabbi Avi Weiss’ positive version of the Ashamnu prayer, an alphabetical acrostic of 22 sins recited during
Egalitarian Versions of Hu Ya’anenu (Selichot & Yom Kippur)
This post provides links to several different versions of “Hu Ya’anenu,” a prayer that recalls how God mercifully answered our
Neil Diamond’s Kol Nidrei from “The Jazz Singer”
This short clip is from the 1980 American drama film, The Jazz Singer, in which the son of a Jewish Cantor
Where to Stream High Holiday Services Online
This article provides a list of non-denominational, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Renewal synagogues around the world that live-stream their High Holiday prayer services
A Yom Kippur Website for Children
This link will take you to an entire website dedicated to teaching children about Yom Kippur in a fun and interactive way.
Yom Kippur Cheat Sheet: Readings to Help You Focus
This 4-page long PDF document is full of profound poems, prayers, quotes and readings that will help you focus on
A Yom Kippur Glossary of Hebrew Terms
This glossary from ReformJudaism.org translates and explains many Hebrew words and phrases that one may come across over Yom Kippur, including traditional holiday
For Kids: Really, Really Sorry!
This entertaining animated video (9:08) teaches young children about the challenges and importance of saying sorry – and meaning it – as
Who By Fire: A Poem of Doubt and Return
This poem by non-traditional rabbi and spiritual seeker, Rabbi Patrick A. Beaulier, explores many of the intense themes of Rosh Hashanah through a piece based
An Alternative Avinu Malkeinu: Our Parent, Our Sovereign
Written by Rabbi Burt Jacobson of the Jewish Renewal movement, this alternative version of the liturgical prayer, Avinu Malkeinu, refers to God
An Israel-Focused High Holiday Lesson Plan
This thorough lesson plan aims to help students “taste” the ethnic diversity of the Jewish communities in Israel, experience the immense
A Mikveh Immersion Ceremony for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur
This post provides the outline and texts for a mikveh immersion ceremony to spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Shofar Meditations for the Days of Awe
This post offers two guided meditations based on the imagery and spiritual power of the shofar. Designed for Rosh Hashanah and