12 things to do for a meaningful Yom Kippur ✍

The Yom Kippur fast begins before sunset on Sept. 15 and ends the following night. [View Online Version]( [Chabad.org]( ב"ה [The Yom Kippur fast]( begins before sunset on Sept. 15 and ends the following night. [Scales of Justice]( Dear Friend, Yom Kippur is upon us. What a special day to connect to G-d, to our fellows, and to ourselves. It only happens once a year that we spend an entire day removed from all ordinary habits such as eating and drinking, and devote it fully to G-d. So first and foremost, allow us to wish you and your loved ones “gemar chatimah tovah,” may G-d seal you in for a year of happiness, health, fulfillment and closeness to Him. May this coming year be blessed in all areas of your life! We prepared for you below, a list of 12 things to do before Yom Kippur. We hope you find them useful and inspirational. Once again, our very best to you and your loved ones, From your friends and family @ Chabad.org 12 things to do before Yom Kippur 1 Brush Up on Yom Kippur Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year with unique observances. How much do you know about this all-important fast day, when returning to G-d and repairing and resetting our relationship with Him is paramount? » [19 Yom Kippur Facts Every Jew Should Know]( » [9 Yom Kippur Myths and Misconceptions]( 2 Get a Yom Kippur Prayerbook There is so much praying on Yom Kippur, and the services are different from what we say all year, including much additional stirring liturgy. » [Print an Essential Machzor for Home Use]( 3 Make Phone Calls In times gone-by, we would send postcards to family and friends, wishing them a good year. Today, a phone call does the trick. This is the time to wish them a shanah tovah (“good year”) and also ask for forgiveness for anything hurtful you may have done or said. » [Get the Scoop on High Holiday Greetings in Hebrew and Yiddish]( » [Send E-Greeting Cards to Friends and Family]( 4 Read a Letter of the Rebbe Before major holidays and festivals, the Rebbe would issue pastoral letters addressed to the “Sons and Daughters of Our People Israel, Everywhere.” That includes all of us! » [Browse Letters From This Time of Year]( 5 Bake (and Ask for) Honey Cake (“Lekach”) There is a custom to symbolically beg for honey cake, expressing our wish that if it had been decreed, G‑d forbid, that this year we will resort to a handout, let this be it. » [Get Miriam’s Favorite “Lekach” Recipe]( 6 Prepare for 2 (Actually 3) Meals On the afternoon leading up to Yom Kippur, it is customary to eat two square meals, each one beginning with challah dipped in honey. Since you will have another festive meal after the fast ends the following night, make sure to make extras that you can whip out of the fridge as soon as the fast ends. » [How to Make Pre-Yom Kippur Kreplach (Dumplings) From Scratch]( » [Why Do We Eat Two Meals Before Yom Kippur?]( 7 Get the Fast Start and End Times If you are fortunate enough to attend synagogue, make sure to mark down when the prayer services begin. And no matter where you plan to worship, make sure to take note of the times the fast starts and ends in your area. » [Yom Kippur Start & End Time]( 8 Give Extra Charity The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are an opportune time to return to G-d and strengthen our connection to Him. One way to do this is through caring for His children. Donate to a charity of your choice, especially one that provides holiday foods and other essentials for those in need. » [15 Tzedakah Facts Every Jew Should Know]( 9 Print Up Reading Material Twenty-five hours is a long time. Make sure you are well stocked with essays, stories, and more to keep occupied, alert, and inspired. » [Yom Kippur Essays]( | [Stories]( | [Q&A]( 10 Kapparot Early in the morning before Yom Kippur, it is customary to perform Kapparot, either with a chicken, which is then slaughtered and donated to the poor, or with money, which is similarly designated for charity. » [Print the Kapparot Text in English and Hebrew]( 11 Set Out Your Candles Even though no meals are held, Yom Kippur is a holiday, and our tables are draped in white, and holiday candles are lit right before the onset of the fast with a special blessing (we also light 24-hour candles, [which you can read about here](. » [Yom Kippur Candle Blessings]( » [When to Light Yom Kippur Candles]( 12 Take a Quiz Found everything you need, and feel ready for an inspiring Yom Kippur? Take our quiz to see how well you know this special day. » [Take the Yom Kippur Quiz]( For all your Yom Kippur needs, visit: [www.YomKippur.org]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Chabad.org]( This email was sent to: [{EMAIL}](#) [Change email address]( · [Manage Subscriptions]( · [Unsubscribe]( © Copyright [Chabad.org]( all rights reserved. [Privacy Policy]( [Chabad.org]( · [Ask the Rabbi]( · [Contact Us]( · [Donate](