| The day before Yom Kippur, known as Erev Yom | | | | taken. The act of the mikvah (ritual bath) is said to |
| Kippur, is considered by all who celebrate it to be a | | | | symbolize a person's rebirth. Men universally follow this |
| quasi-festival day. As a festival, there are many | | | | tradition, while women have different customs |
| traditions and customs which Jews practice. These | | | | concerning the mikvah. |
| customs are: | | | | Confession, called the Viduy, is recited at the afternoon |
| To seek forgiveness and atone for any sins that they | | | | service, which is called mincha. This is found in the |
| have committed against another.a. Visit or call family, | | | | silent Amidah. |
| friends, and any other they may have wronged to ask | | | | Most wear white on Yom Kippur, as it symbolizes the |
| for forgiveness. Gossip about another would be | | | | angels and spiritual purity. Jewish men wear a kitel, |
| something forgiveness would be asked for.b. Return | | | | which is a garment worn when married and when |
| stolen items. | | | | buried. |
| To give increased charity. Jews believe that increasing | | | | Many of these customs are followed by Jews, even |
| their charity will help to repeal evil decrees against | | | | those that do not practice their faith on a regular basis. |
| them. | | | | Yom Kippur and the quasi-festival the day before are |
| Feasts are common on this day before fasting. | | | | quite important to those following the Jewish faith. |
| The Kaparot ceremony, which is a very old and | | | | Some say Yom Kippur is the most important of all the |
| mystical custom. It was designed to make those | | | | Jewish holidays. It is not uncommon for Jews to have |
| participating feel that their lives are at stake. The | | | | large celebrations on Erev Yom Kippur. |
| symbolism of the ceremony includes sins crying out for | | | | Nicola always enjoys celebrating Yom Kippur. Visit her |
| atonement, good deeds being remembered, and | | | | Jewish High Holy Days site for Yom Kippur gift ideas, |
| charity and repentance saving all from sins. In its | | | | tips and news, information and views at |
| previous forms, a white chicken was used in the | | | | This article may be reprinted in full so long as the |
| ceremony, but most communities today have | | | | resource box and the live links are included intact. All |
| substituted a white cloth for the foul. | | | | rights reserved. Copyright Your-Holiday. |
| On this day before the holiday, a ritual bath is normally | | | | |