Yom Kippur

Hey everyone,

Today is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and marks possibly the most important holiday for a Jew. I found this site a few weeks ago and highly recommend it (though I'm sure it was recommended to me long before I "found" it;-)

http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm (just copy and paste it onto your web browser)

I also recommend you read Lev. 23:1-2, 26-32. Notice how all of the feasts are G-d's; I would not call them "Jewish". I strongly believe that Jesus kept these feasts perfectly meaning that he did no work on this day and denied himself (whether that included both water and food or just food, I am not sure). Traditionally this is also a day of repentance, the last chance of the year to confess and repent of sins to both G-d and people. Jews all over the world are going up to people asking for forgiveness for any wrong they may have done. It is a day of humility. Here are Jesus' words:

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you [not you having something against your brother!], leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" (Mt 5:23-24).

This is an "offensive" (opposite of defensive) day where a person takes the innitiative and asks for reconciliation to occur even if he/she knows nothing of the wrong doing. So, if I have wronged you in ANY way, please tell me and know that I offer my sincere regret and apology, and I ask that you PLEASE forgive me.

May your Yom Kippur be filled with sorrow, humility, joy, and healing.

Shalom,

Geoff