My friends we are a few hours before the heavens open up for us and we can ask for everything we need. Don’t be shy, specially at the end on Nehila we can really pour our hearts out. Ask for people in need, for your needs and for the whole world at large.
Tonight when the sun sets we abstain from five things: eating and drinking, bathing, anointing our bodies, wearing leather shoes and marital relations. We do this so we can afflict ourselves a little and feel the day and also so we can shed any material desires so we can concentrate on the holiness of the day.
It is a mitzvah to eat many meals today and munch the whole day and it is equivalent to the fast in merits.
Before the fast begins and you go to the Synagogue eat a festive meal (wash for bread and dip in honey), light a memorial candle for those who are not here any more and light candles for the holiday with the corresponding blessing “Baruj Ata Ad-nai, Elo-einu Melej Haolam, Asher Kidishanu Bemitzvotav, Vetzivanu Lehadlik Ner Shel Iom Hakipurim” and then say ” Baruj Ata Ad-nai, Elo-einu Melej Haolam, Shejejeianu Vekiimanu Vehiguianu Lizman Haze.” Parents bless your children and also some wear white to look like angels. We don’t wear gold jewelry as not to remind G-d of the sin of the golden calf.
“May you be inscribed and sealed in the book of life ,blessing, peace, and prosperity, deliverance, consolation, and favorable decrees, may we and all Your people the House of Israel be remembered and inscribed before You for a happy life and for peace.” (Sidur)
May you have an easy fast G’mar Chatima Tova!
Live a little higher
