The universal message of Yom Kippur
According to the Talmudic sages, Chapter 19 of the biblical book of Leviticus is one in which most of the core teachings of the Torah are found. Verse 2 emphasizes that the concepts expressed in this chapter were explained by Moses in the presence of the entire congregation of Israel, as when the Ten Commandments were delivered, which, according to Rabbi Levi (Vayikra Rabba, Kedoshim 24:5), are present in this chapter. The famous precept "you shall love your neighbor as yourself," considered by Hillel (b. Shabbat 31a), Rabbi Akiva (Sifra Kedoshim, 2:4), and by Jesus (Matthew 22:36-40), as a synthesis of all the teachings of the Torah, is found in verse 18. This is the chapter where the expression "I am the Lord" is repeated the most times (16) in the entire Bible. It is as if the "I" of God can only be projected on earth through human behavior that reflects the concepts of love, justice, piety, and mercy that characterize the holiness of God.
"Be Holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy" is the first precept presented in the chapter. The sages of the Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 1) understand that although the holiness of God is intrinsic to the divine nature, when the Children of Israel act according to the holy values prescribed in this chapter, it is as if they sanctified God in earthly reality.
As most of the principles in this chapter pertain to the interactions between people, it is evident that when someone wrongs their neighbor, they diminish the sacredness of the divine presence within humanity.
Prior to the Day of Atonement, each Jew must repair all the conflicts and confrontations he or she has had with their neighbors, and on that day must seek an encounter with God. It is the moment in which a spiritual reckoning is carried out. During this process, the individual uncovers and recognizes any sufferings they may have caused, any destructive impulses that might have triggered sinful deeds, and any false deities they may have chased after. Through such actions, God's forgiveness is bestowed and a new time begins in which we are given a new opportunity to consecrate God on Earth.
The essence of Yom Kippur challenges all individuals, regardless of their beliefs. If all people embraced the idea that human existence has a profound significance in the universe and requires us to act with justice, mercy, kindness, and love, then there would be moments when each person would reflect on their behavior in light of this understanding. These reflections would lead to believers reconciling with God and non-believers to reconciling with themselves. This represents an expansion of the biblical message of Yom Kippur for people of all beliefs who share a deep respect for life.
The Yom Kippur liturgy involves reading the entire text of the prophet Jonah, which tells the story of the repentance for their wrongdoings of the people of Nineveh (the capital of Israel’s foe, the Assyrian Empire). God had sent the prophet to warn them about their wickedness to prevent their city's destruction. The Ninevites responded by sincerely changing their ways. In the Mishnah (Taanit 2:1), it is mentioned that on days of fasting and prayer, rabbis used to hold up the people of Nineveh in their sermons as a model to be followed. In addition, the Prophets' books, particularly Amos 1-2, the call to turn back to God by correcting wrongful actions applies to Israel, as well as to all peoples and nations.
Those who live in a state of constant chaos, destroying everything around them, ends up destroying themselves and their loved ones. By resolving conflicts with one's neighbors and overcoming negative attitudes, a state of inner peace can be reached, allowing human beings to achieve the greatness that God desires.
Genesis 32: 25-30 narrates Jacob’s encounter with his brother Esau, an encounter that Jacob feared. The night before, Jacob wrestled for hours with an angel. According to a Midrash commenting on this episode, Bereshit Rabbah 77:3, this angel was none other than the protector of Esau. They struggled all night, and at dawn, Jacob overcame the angel. I see this as a metaphor for Jacob's internal struggle to overcome the conflict with his brother. The angel blessed Jacob, changed his name to Israel, and then Jacob encountered Esau in such a way that they ended up hugging and leaving behind the hatred that had separated them in the past.
This struggle reflects the process that every Jew and the entire Jewish people must face on Yom Kippur. It is the search to overcome hatred and to recognize each other and all peoples as brothers and sisters.
Article published in the Weekly English edition of L' Osservatore Romano, October 4, 2024, and in the Italian version of October 11, 2024 |
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