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ב"ה The Yom Kippur fast begins before sunset on October 1 and ends the following night. Yom Kippur is a day packed with meaning. Like a beautiful gem, it has many facets, each one brilliant, true, and wonderful. Tzvi Freeman famously pointed out that the English name for this day, Day of Atonement, can be broken into Day of At-One-Ment. As Jews, we sometimes feel like we are alone among the nations, “a single sheep among 70 wolves.” And that’s true. But we are not really alone. Because G-d is with us. In His presence, we are at one, at one with each other, at one with our souls, and at one with Him. So let’s grab ahold of this sacred day, the opportunity to access our innermost oneness, and make the most of it. If you do not yet have a place to pray this Yom Kippur, please let us know and we’ll do our best to set you up! Wishing you a meaningful and easy fast, Your friends and family @ Chabad.org 13 things to do before Yom Kippur 1 Brush Up on Yom Kippur Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year with unique observances. How much do you know about this all-important fast day, when returning to G-d and repairing and resetting our relationship with Him is paramount? » What You Need to Know About Yom Kippur Synagogue Services » How to Celebrate Yom Kippur 2 Make Phone Calls In times gone-by, we would send postcards to family and friends, wishing them a good year. Today, a phone call does the trick. This is the time to wish them a shanah tovah (“good year”) and also ask for forgiveness for anything hurtful you may have done or said. » Get the Scoop on High Holiday Greetings in Hebrew and Yiddish » Send E-Greeting Cards to Friends and Family 3 Read a Letter of the Rebbe Before major holidays and festivals, the Rebbe would issue pastoral letters addressed to the “Sons and Daughters of Our People Israel, Everywhere.” That includes all of us! » Read: Is Most of My Life a Waste? » Watch: Ten-Day Journey 4 Bake (and Ask for) Honey Cake (“Lekach”) There is a custom to symbolically beg for honey cake, expressing our wish that if it had been decreed, G‑d forbid, that this year we will resort to a handout, let this be it. » Honey Cake with Lemon Drizzle » Why Do We Beg for Honey Cake Before Yom Kippur? 5 Prepare for 2 (Actually 3) Meals On the afternoon leading up to Yom Kippur, it is customary to eat two square meals, each one beginning with challah dipped in honey. Since you will have another festive meal after the fast ends the following night, make sure to make extras that you can whip out of the fridge as soon as the fast ends. » Ruti’s Honey Challah with Sweet Toppings » Why the Break Fast? It's Not (Just) Because We're Hungry! 6 Get the Fast Start and End Times This year, Yom Kippur starts before sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and ends the following night after nightfall. Make sure to take note of the times the fast starts and ends in your area: » Yom Kippur Start & End Times 7 Give Additional Charity The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are an opportune time to return to G-d and strengthen our connection to Him. One way to do this is through caring for His children. Donate to a charity of your choice, especially one that provides holiday foods and other essentials for those in need. » 15 Tzedakah Facts Every Jew Should Know 8 Print Up Reading Material Twenty-five hours is a long time. Here is some of our favorite reading material to keep you occupied, alert, and inspired. » 12 Facts About the Yom Kippur War » Zaidy’s Yom Kippur » Browse Hundreds of More Articles Here 9 Kapparot Early in the morning before Yom Kippur, it is customary to perform Kapparot, either with a chicken, which is then subsequently donated to the poor, or with money, which is similarly designated for charity. » Print the Kapparot Text in English and Hebrew 10 Set Out Your Candles Even though no meals are held, Yom Kippur is a holiday, and our tables are draped in white, and holiday candles are lit right before the onset of the fast with a special blessing that mentions both Yom Kippur and Shabbat (we also light 24-hour candles, which you can read about here). » Yom Kippur Candle Blessings » When to Light Yom Kippur Candles 11 Take a Quiz Found everything you need, and feel ready for an inspiring Yom Kippur? Take our quizzes to see how well you know this special day. » Take the Yom Kippur True or False Quiz » Take the 10 Days of Teshuvah Quiz 12 Visit (or Write to) the Ohel It is an ancient Jewish custom to visit the resting places of the righteous at this time of year. This year, the Ohel has drawn former hostages and their families, leaders from across the political spectrum, and thousands of “ordinary” people. If you cannot make it in person, you can also send a note to be placed there. » Send a Letter to the Ohel » Praying and Finding Solace at the Ohel 13 Get Your Sukkot Supplies The joyous holiday of Sukkot comes just 5 days after Yom Kippur. Now is the time to make sure that you will have a lulav and etrog to wave and a sukkah to dwell in. » Purchase a Sukkah or Lulav and Etrog Set For all your Yom Kippur needs, visit: www.YomKippur.org