Why do Jews celebrate Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It is a day of atonement and repentance, and is marked by fasting, prayer and reflection. Jews observe Yom Kippur by attending synagogue services, where they recite special prayers and readings, and by refraining from eating, drinking, bathing and sexual relations from sunset to sunset.

The fast of Yom Kippur is said to be a way to cleanse oneself of sins. According to Jewish tradition, God judges all of humanity on Yom Kippur, and determines who will be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year. Those who have repented their sins and made amends for their wrongs are said to be inscribed in the Book of Life, while those who have not are said to be sealed in the Book of Death.

Yom Kippur is also a time for reflection and introspection. Jews are encouraged to spend the day in prayer and meditation, and to reflect on their actions over the past year. They are also encouraged to make amends for any wrongs they may have done, and to seek forgiveness from those they have harmed.

Yom Kippur is a day of great spiritual significance for Jews, and is seen as a time for renewal and rebirth. It is a time to reflect on the past, seek forgiveness and make amends, and to begin the new year with a clean slate.