Happy Yom Kippur from me and Matt! Today is the Day of Atonement, יוֹם כִּפּוּר or יום הכיפורים, and is for repentance. It's often observed by a 25-hour fast and intense prayer, part of which is often at a synagogue, for the sealing of their fate for the coming year that was established on Rosh Hashanah. More than just a religious holiday, even secular Jews observe the day. Because it's a day of fasting, many people greet one another with "Tsom Kal," wishing someone an "easy fast."
But why fast on Yom Kippur? Rabbi Mendy Hecht of AskMoses.com offers these words of wisdom:
Fasting on Yom Kippur is mandated by the Torah and is Positive Mitzvah #164. The Torah commands us to “afflict” ourselves on the “Tenth of Tishrei,” i.e. Yom Kippur. The Mosaic tradition teaches us that “afflict” (in this context) means de-emphasizing the body’s needs in five areas: bathing; using creams, oils, perfumes or other skin accessories; wearing leather shoes; sexual relations; and eating and drinking.
Actually, [eating and drinking is] a very big deal. Yom Kippur is G-d’s designated annual day of total spirituality. On Yom Kippur, we get into things that make us like angels the most, and out of things that make us like animals the most: we spend the whole day in Tefillah, and we put our bodily cravings on the back burner. Tefillah is what makes us most like angels, and eating/drinking is what makes us most like animals. On Yom Kippur, we try to soar as high as we can. Not worrying about what’s to eat helps keep that in focus.
You can imagine, though, that once fasting is over, it's time to celebrate with some food! This meal after breaking a fast should express some of the rejuvenation you feel after a day of fasting, and typically consists of breakfast-type foods like eggs, cheese, and bread. Lots of bagels and schmear going around after a fast! Below is one of my favorite recipes for Yom Kippur: a delicious egg souffle!
Breakfast Egg Souffle
Ingredients
* 1/4 cup flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* pepper
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup cottage cheese
* 2 cups (8 ounces or 250 grams) grated cheese
* 1/2 stick (2 ounces or 60 grams) butter, melted
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 4 ounces (115 grams) sliced mushrooms
* 1 tomato, sliced
* fresh parsley
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C). Grease a 9x9 inch casserole dish.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Beat eggs. Add all cheeses, butter, onion and mushrooms. Mix well.
4. Add flour mixture.
5.Pour into casserole dish, place slices of tomato on top, and push in slightly. Sprinkle with parsley.
6. Bake at 350° F (180° C) for 40 minutes.
Don't forget to also perform teshuvah, תשובה (literally: "return"), or repentance, for any wrongs done. Even if you don't believe in sin, it's not a bad idea to reflect on the past year and see if you can do anything differently in the coming year. It could be a great day to set resolutions, right some wrongs, and do what it takes to make things better!
And of course, a very happy Jewish new year! ;)
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