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Observing Yom Kippur
Evening Meal
Before sundown, the day before the Day of Atonement,
have a special light meal to prepare for the fast.
After dinner, light the candles and say a blessing
to begin the festival.
Bless Your Family
Many families bless their children (parents,
spouse) after the meal. Say a prayer over each
of your children praying specifically for their
needs, gifts, and talents.
Fast
Traditionally the fast lasts for twenty-five
hours. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly
may want to try a “Daniel Fast” and
only eat vegetables (Dan. 1:12-15) and water for
the twenty-five hours. Spend time in prayer asking
for forgiveness and praising God.
Study the Tabernacle and Temple
The Holy of Holies was so sacred that only the
high priest could enter in, and only one day of
the year, The Day of Atonement. To explain the
dimensions and design of the temple would take
another book. Sir Isaac Newton wrote volumes about
Solomon’s Temple. There are several good,
illustrated books available from Christian bookstores
about the symbolism of the Tabernacle and Temple
and how each item relates to Christ.
Worship
Find Psalms that you may have sung or sing other
songs about forgiveness. Spend some time in personal
prayer. A Bible concordance may be helpful in
collecting verses related to forgiveness and atonement
(a clue to the meaning is “at-one-ment”).
Pray for Jerusalem
Another interesting idea to incorporate is a
time of prayer for the nation of Israel (Rom.
10:1). This is once in the year when Jews the
world over are packed into synagogues. Pray for
light to come and the reality of Yeshua the Messiah
to enter their hearts. The fasting and prayer
are sure to make your gathering special.
Burn a Candle
Burn a large, white twenty-four-hour candle all
day.
Music
Play a music tape such as Arise, O Lord by Israel’s
Hope, which also contains other selections like
“Shalom, Jerusalem,” and “Holy,
Holy, Holy.” Or play a Scripture-based song
collection by Marty Goetz or other similar artists.
Other Readings
Reading In His Steps is an excellent choice
to stimulate family discussions. It comes in original
and abbreviated (pictorial) versions, and a children’s
adaptation. Richard Booker’s The Miracle
of the Scarlet Thread is an excellent choice
for adult or older teen reading. You may need
all the Days of Awe to complete the longer book
choices. Begin now in anticipation of discussions
on Day of Atonement.
Excerpts from the book A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays
- Crafts and Activities
- Centerpiece (pattern and instructions)
- Secret Scroll Message (Message in code to
decode)
- Yom Kippur Crossword Puzzle
- Yom Kippur Word Search
- Yom Kippur Coloring Page
- Grace Unit Study - The special homeschool
section includes suggested activities for
Bible, history, science, geography, writing,
and resources. Recommended studies in this
unit include grace, redemption, blood, circulatory
system, slavery, Calvin, and more.
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