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יוֹם כִּפּוּר
Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance.
Key Vocabulary
| Hebrew | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| צוֹם | Tzom | Fast |
| תְּפִלָּה | Tefila | Prayer |
| כַּפָּרָה | Kapara | Atonement |
| סְלִיחָה | Slicha | Forgiveness |
| גְּמַר חֲתִימָה טוֹבָה | Gmar chatima tova | May you be sealed (in the Book of Life) for good |
Common Greeting Before Yom Kippur:
גְּמַר חֲתִימָה טוֹבָה
Gmar chatima tova - "May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for good"
Cultural Context
Yom Kippur is observed by fasting for 25 hours, attending synagogue services, and seeking forgiveness from others. In Israel, the country comes to a complete standstill - no cars on the roads, all businesses closed.