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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
Ten days following New Year, the Children of Israel observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which continues to remain the most solemn day of the year throughout Israel and most Jewish communities.
Although Yom Kippur is an intense holy day, if it is observed properly, by the end of Yom Kippur men will have made peace with others, and with God.
The three essential components of Yom Kippur are repentance, prayer and fasting.
Yom Kippur is a day of reconciliation, when Jews strive to make amends with people and draw closer to God through prayer and fasting.
Peoplepray for forgiveness regarding any vows they have made to God and have not kept.
One prayer is repeated at intervals throughout the day, where a man asks for forgiveness for a variety of sins that may have been committed during the past year.
For the sin we have committed under stress or through choice; in stubbornness or in error; in the evil meditations of the heart; by word of mouth; through abuse of power; by exploitation of neighbours. For all these sins, O God of forgiveness, bear with us, pardon us, forgive us!
Men might gently beat their fists against their chests as each sin is mentioned. Sins are mentioned in plural form, because even if someone hasn’t committed a particular sin, every Jew senses a measure of responsibility for the actions of other Jews.
The Book of Jonah is read to remind everyone of God’s willingness to forgive those who are sincerely sorry.
Near the end of the apostle Paul’s ministry he still acknowledged, recognised and remembered this significant day.
Many complete the fast with a feeling of deep serenity, the consequence of having made peace with others, and with God.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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