A Different Day

Empty plate

Many grown-ups and older children don’t eat or drink on Yom Kippur. That’s called fasting, and the full fast is from sundown (beginning of Yom Kippur) to sunset the next day (end of Yom Kippur) — 25 hours! Some people find they enter a different zone when they fast, where they can think more deeply about their life and actions. Kids don't usually fast, but you can choose other ways to make the day feel different.

STAYING FOCUSED

Yom Kippur is a time for mindfulness, for reflection on our lives and deeds. Where is a special place outside or in your home where you can focus best? What can you do to create a calm mood for thinking and sharing?

White clothes

On Yom Kippur some people wear white shirts or dresses. It's a symbol of making a fresh start. What special clothes will you wear on Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur greeting

When we see people on Yom Kippur, we can say “Tzom kal” (tzohm kahl), which means: I hope your fast isn’t too hard! We can also say “G’mar hatimah tovah” (ge-MAHR hah-tee-MAH toe-VAH), which means: I hope a good judgment is sealed for you in the Book of Life. When Yom Kippur is over, we simply say “Shanah tovah” — Have a good year!

 

 

Tzedakah box

A tzedakah box is for collecting coins to use to help other people. On this day we think about people who go hungry every day, not just on Yom Kippur. What can the coins in your tzedakah box be used for?