Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A solemn Jewish fast day: The Day of Atonement is the holiest day of the year in Judaism, dedicated to atonement, repentance, and prayer. It is observed with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer.

Usage

• The Day of Atonement is considered the Sabbath of Sabbaths in the Jewish calendar.
• Observant Jews spend the Day of Atonement in synagogue, engaging in prayer and reflection.
• The central themes of the Day of Atonement are repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "The liturgy of the Day of Atonement": refers to the specific prayers and religious services recited on this holy day.
  • The liturgy of the Day of Atonement includes the confessional prayers known as Vidui.
• "To observe the Day of Atonement": to follow the religious practices associated with the holiday.
  • My family strictly observes the Day of Atonement by fasting and attending services.

Variants and Related Words

• Yom Kippur (n): The Hebrew name for the Day of Atonement. This is the most common term used.
  • Yom Kippur begins at sundown.
• The High Holy Days (n): The period encompassing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
  • The Day of Atonement is the culmination of the High Holy Days.

Synonyms

• Yom Kippur: The direct Hebrew equivalent.
• The Fast: A common colloquial reference to the day, emphasizing the 25-hour fast.

Related Phrases

• "G'mar chatimah tovah": A traditional greeting used between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, meaning "May you be sealed for a good year [in the Book of Life]."
• "Break the fast": The meal eaten after the conclusion of Yom Kippur at nightfall.
  • We invited friends over to break the fast together.

Related Idioms and Concepts

• "Closing of the gates": A metaphorical concept from the Ne'ilah service, symbolizing the final opportunity for repentance on the Day of Atonement.
  • During Ne'ilah, we pray fervently before the closing of the gates.
• "Book of Life": A central theme of the Day of Atonement prayers, referring to the divine ledger in which fates for the coming year are inscribed.
  • On the Day of Atonement, it is believed one's fate for the coming year is sealed in the Book of Life.

Noun

1. (Judaism) a solemn and major fast day on the Jewish calendar; 10th of Tishri; its observance is one of the requirements of the Mosaic law