Yom Kippur is a time-tested Jewish tradition of atoning for one’s sins of the previous year and ushering in the new year humbly and consciously.

 Holidays are more than just gatherings or practices, they’re a chance for all to come and feel bolstered by their community, history or faith. Yom Kippur is a day where people give up things like eating, drinking, and work to rid themselves of bodily pleasures. “It’s where I get time to spend with my family, friends, and community” Junior Jack Crystal said,

 Junior Zack Kettenis added to the sentiment about the holiday saying “It means taking away the things I normally do to atone for my sins and it’s a day where my whole community comes together.”

In the Jewish faith, it says that Moses led the Isrealites out of Egypt and away from their enslavement at the hand of the pharaoh. They wandered for three months until reaching Sinai, where God had revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush.

 Moses was granted the Ten Commandments during his 40-day stay on the mountain and he presented it to the Isrealites, their hearts still burning with gratitude and joy. 

 But Yom Kippur isn’t simply about history or faith. Sophomore Tova Segal said, “I’ve never really believed in God but I’ve always celebrated the traditions; it’s a chance to be close to my family.”