Why do we fast on yom kippur?

 

The Jewish day of atonement, Yom Kippur, is the most solemn and important day of the year. Its central themes are repentance and forgiveness. Jews believe that on this day, God inscribes each person's fate for the coming year into the Book of Life. Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, prayer and introspection.

The origins of Yom Kippur are found in the Torah, the Jewish holy book. In Leviticus 16, God tells Moses how the Israelites are to observe this day. They are to afflict themselves and refrain from all work. They are to humble themselves before God and ask for forgiveness. Yom Kippur is a day of repentance. Jews seek forgiveness for their sins of the past year. They ask God to inscribe them in the Book of Life for the coming year. Jews believe that on Yom Kippur, God judges each person according to their deeds. They also believe that God is forgiving and merciful. He will forgive the repentant sinner. The day of atonement is a day of fasting. Jews refrain from eating and drinking. They also refrain from wearing leather shoes and from washing their bodies. The fast is a way of afflicting oneself and of showing humility before God. The day of atonement is also a day of prayer. Jews pray for forgiveness and for strength to change their ways. They also pray for the coming of the Messiah. Yom Kippur is a day of introspection. Jews reflect on their past year and on their goals for the coming year. They think about the things they did wrong and the things they did right. They think about how they can improve their lives and make the world a better place. Yom Kippur is a day of hope. Jews believe that on this day, they can start fresh and begin anew. They can be forgiven for their sins and they can start the new year with a clean slate.