Yom Kippur

Mood:


Well, tonight's the start of Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. It's the most important holiday in the Jewish calendar.We're supposed to fast the whole day. (It's also no drinking.) I want to fast, but can't because of meds.They say if it will affect your health, you shouldn't do it. And, it's almost a sin if you do. I feel kind of guilty though, bringing food and trying to eat it in the car, away from other people. 


It's kind of a somber holiday. It's funny, because I saw something that said, "Would you like to send a Happy Yom Kippur card?" Happy's not really the right word.Instead, a lot of people say they wish someone an easy and sufficient fast. Also, may you be inscribed in the Book of Life.


Some people don't wear leather, and wear a lot of white or off white clothes. The white symbolizes purity. We have services all day for it too. 5 all together, plus some studying of Torah usually. At the end, we have a break-the-fast potluck. Sometimes if you're a little late to getting in line, there's barely any food left.People are so hungry. It's understandable, really. The last couple of years haven't been that way, but you never know. It's interesting that people who never go to anything else, will usually go to Yom Kippur services.


We fast to 'afflict our souls', since we're not supposed to focus on physical needs. More on the spiritual, and connecting with G-d. We're atoning for our past sins, and hoping we'll be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year of life, health, and happiness. On Rosh Hashanah, the verdict on what 'book' we'll be inscribed in is written down, and on Yom Kippur it's sealed. It's kind of a complicated holiday.


I worked a bit in Photoshop on my drawing. It's looking more and more awesome!I still have some more tweaking before I can post it. I also might try to do a colored version using the same program. We'll see. It's been kind of muggy and rainy today. Hopefully, it will be nice tomorrow.


I did catch up on Naruto Shippuden. It was mostly about Iruka remembering being Naruto's first teacher. How they didn't get along at first, and realizing that Naruto was really a lot like himself. What made him flashback was the tree where he drew a line telling Naruto when he reaches that height, he'll become the Hokage. It was still standing even after the destruction of the village. The Akatsuki don't have many members left, and Madara tells Kisame to get the Kyuubi. Sasuke is also heading to Konoha to get the Kyuubi. Both the Akatsuki and Sasuke's group? Give Naruto a break, he just defeated Pain!


I also got a local magazine that's in Japanese for free. I was getting the newspaper Soy Source for a bit. But, they didn't have it at the grocery store this time. It's called You Maga. I think I like it a lot more. Only problem is, it's put out monthly instead of bi-monthly.Oh, well. It's got crossword puzzles, Sudoku, horoscopes, community news, recipes, top selling book suggestions, and more. It's pretty awesome!