A Day of Atonement One of the most important holidays in Judaism is Yom Kippur, which means "the day of covering" (Molly). It is considered the holiest day of the year, the day when people are closest to God (Chabad). There are many steps and rituals that are performed before celebrating Yom Kippur, as well as during the holiday. During this day, people have the opportunity to repent of their sins, to change the path they have chosen, as well as the last appeal, before God passes judgment (Ricco). This Jewish holiday is different from the others because it is considered the holiest holiday of the year; there are five (seven) prayer services taking place during this period, the five prayer services occupying an entire day. In addition to being known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is said to be derived from the parallel word redeem from Psalm 49:7 (Parsons). Yom Kippur is celebrated for almost 26 hours and during those 26 hours people are not allowed to do so; drinking, eating, washing your body, wearing leather on your feet, as well as being intimate with your significant other (Chabad). It is also considered a Sabbath, but no work is allowed during this period (Ricco). During this time, prayers are recited using the Machzor prayer book, which is only used during this holiday and Rosh Hashanah (Rich). Before the start of Yom Kippur, people perform the Kaparot atonement; during this time people ask to receive a honey cake, which shows recognition of being recipients of God (Chabad). During this, one can pray for a prosperous year ahead, as well as perform more charitable acts. In the late afternoon before Yom Kippur, people eat the pre-fast meal, followed by the blessing of their children and the enlightenment... half of the paper... r the repentance portion one portion is dedicated to the people to tell the stories of some of the early Jewish sages and how they martyred themselves. The service ends with the “Araonic Benedict” (Parsons). Works Cited Chabad. What is Yom Kippur? - The holiest day of the year. Fasting and expiation, solemnity and joy. . . 2013. 01 November 2013 http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/177886/jewish/What-is-Yom-Kippur.htmMolly, Michael. Experiencing world religions: tradition, challenge and change. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2013.Parsons, John J. What is Yom Kippur? - The holiest day of the year. Fasting and stoning, solemnity and joy. November 01, 2013 http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Yom_Kippur/yom_kippur.htmlRicco, Tracey R. Yom Kippur. 2011. 01 November 2013http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm