When does the Yom Kippur fast begin?
= It begins before sunset on the ninth day and concludes at nightfall the following day. What are the various restrictions of Yom Kippur? = • No food or drink is to be consumed. • Children under nine are not permitted to fast. • Girls aged 12 and boys aged 13 it is customary to fast for the whole day. • If one is ill or giving birth, one must not fast. • No work is to be done on this day. • No washing. • No wearing of leather shoes, as its a sign of luxury. • No wearing of jewellery especially gold, which would have called to mind the sin of the golden calf. What do men wear on Yom Kippur? = A Kittel. Simchat Torah What does Simchat Torah mean? = “Rejoicing in the Torah”. In this festival Jews express their love and gratitude for the Torah. The Torah is at the heart of this festival. In the synagogue at the evening service what happens to the Torah scrolls? = They are all taken out and carried in an exuberant procession around the synagogue, with joyful dancing and singing. Traditional
