Inclusion Paradox Sightings

Inclusion Paradox Sighting: Today Is Yom Kippur – Background and Greetings

Andrés on September 27, 2009

Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) started at sundown on Sunday, September 27th and will end at sundown on Monday, September 28th. Today many Jewish colleagues — depending on their family and personal practices may not be at work as they observe this holiday by not working, or they may be at work but fasting, and/or they may be planning to be at prayer services after work.

According to judaism.about.com, “Yom Kippur is one of two Jewish High Holy Days. The first High Holy Day is Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Yom Kippur falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah on the 10th of Tishrei, which is a Hebrew month that correlates with September-October on the secular calendar. The purpose of Yom Kippur is to bring about reconciliation between people and between individuals and God. According to Jewish tradition, it is also the day when God decides the fate of each human being.”

As is usually the case when interacting with those of another faith, those not of the Jewish faith or culture may be uncertain about how to greet a Jewish colleague on this Holy Day. The site offers this advice: “It is fitting to continue with the ‘Happy New Year’ or ‘Shana Tova’ greeting [that began at Rosh Hoshanah] all the way through Yom Kippur as this whole period is considered the start of the new year. You could also wish your Jewish friends a ‘Good Signing’ (in the Book of Life) or the Hebrew equivalent ‘Hatima Tova,’ but only more observant Jews will be familiar with this greeting. Given Yom Kippur is a fast day, you could also wish your Jewish friends an ‘Easy Fast’ or the Hebrew equivalent ‘Tzom Kal.’ For any Jewish holiday, feel free to greet your Jewish friends with ‘Happy Holiday,’ the Hebrew equivalent ‘Chag Samayach’ or the Yiddish equivalent ‘Gut Yuntiff.’ Gifts are not given for Yom Kippur.”