Yom Kippur
The traditional reading for Yom Kippur comes from a parasha we read just a few weeks ago, Acharei Mot, which focused on the details of the Yom Kippur sacrifices. In the afternoon reading, we traditionally read about prohibited marriages and sexual behaviors, perhaps because the afternoon of Yom Kippur in ancient times was an occasion for the arrangement or marriages. More importantly to me, the afternoon service includes the reading of the Book of Jonah.
As Nahum Sarna is quoted in Mosaic (9/22/15), Jonah captures four key elements of Yom Kippur:
(1) Sin. The sins referred to are the pagans of Nineveh (or perhaps Jonah himself, whose sin may be reluctantly accepting his prophetic role). Sin is primarily a moral matter.
(2) Divine Judgement. God executes divine judgement against the sinners, and humans are responsible and accountable for sin.
(3) Repentance. The people of Nineveh repent, and the severe decree is averted. Repentance does not arise from the recitation of formulas but by the transformation of character, both by the people of Nineveh and by Jonah himself.
(4) God is a compassionate Judge. The emphasis of the book is that all life is important to God, be they Jews, pagans, or even cattle. God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness.
These are the essential of Judaism, and the fundamental building blocks of Yom Kippur.
One final thought. This year, Yom Kippur follows soon after the yahrzeits of those killed last October by the murderous Hamas foes. As we chant unitanef tokef, we might pause and think about the phrase “who shall live and who shall die.” Many have died, be they Israelis, Palestinians, soldiers, terrorists, or even the innocent. On the other hand, miraculous recoveries have happened during the past year, and many of us can look ahead with hope of life in the year to come.
May we all be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Peace and Life in this coming year. Ken yehi ratzon.
