Sunset on Sunday is Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement; the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.

Jews do not eat or drink from just before sunset on Sunday until an hour after sunset on Monday – a dedicated fast of 25 hours. Services are held in synagogues all over the world throughout the first evening and all through the next day so that all Jews can mark this day.

On this Holy day it is encouraged that Jews pray and ask forgiveness. It is also asked that Jews do not work, which includes study and attending classes. This has a great impact on students, as they are unable to attend lectures at school and University.

Traditionally a meal is shared before the fast. Following this, Jews will attend synagogue to pray before meeting again to break the fast after 25 hours.

For new students, Yom Kippur comes at a very difficult time this year - the first day of the semester. Not only must they avoid study, but they may not know where to share the meals or where to go to synagogue.

The Jewish Students Society knows it's really important to make contact with as many students as possible so that they can be directed to services (Reform or Orthodox) and to hospitality for meals before and after the fast. If you are a Jewish student, they are here for you and would love to see you at the activities fair tomorrow. You can also get in touch by emailing them: jewish.society@sheffield.ac.uk

For the chaplaincy, click here.

See you all at the fair tomorrow!
Love Claire x