B"H
Monday, Tishrei 8, 5779 / September 17, 2018
Q. Why is it customary that “Tzedakah plates" or “Tzedakah boxes” from various charities are placed in the synagogue Erev (day before) Yom Kippur into which everyone contributes before the holiday?
A. In the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur prayers we say, "Repentance, prayer and charity nullify a bad decree." Since it is forbidden to handle money on Yom Kippur, we give extra charity on the day before Yom Kippur. We pray that our mercy to others will invoke G-d's mercy toward us.
Q. Yom Kippur begins with the Kol Nidrei prayer. What is the significance of this prayer?
A. Kol Nidrei is a prayer in which we declare our vows null and void. It is in Aramaic, rather than Hebrew, because it was the spoken language of the Jews in Babylon at the time. The only vows which we can nullify in Kol Nidrei are those which don't involve other people. However, vows and promises made to others do not become nullified on Yom Kippur.
Kol Nidrei gained much significance during the Spanish Inquisition. Then, many Jews, known as "Marranos," vowed to renounce their religion under the threat of death, yet in their heart remained loyal to Judaism. They would gather on Yom Kippur in secrecy and use Kol Nidrei to renounce their vows against the religion that was forced upon them. The Kol Nidrei melody chanted today has its roots in the events of that time.
Q. Why is it important to begin the Kol Nidrei before nightfall?
A. According to Halacha (Torah law), annulments of vows may not be performed on Shabbat and holidays. Being that Yom Kippur is a holiday, we begin reciting the Kol Nidrei before nightfall.
Q. Why do two men stand near the cantor while he recites the Kol Nidrei?
A. According to Halacha, there should be at least three people present at the nullification of vows. The cantor and two more people act as a Bet Din (panel of judges) required for nullifying vows.
Q. Why is the Kol Nidrei repeated three times?
A. According to the Talmud, important announcements used to be repeated three times. The repetition of the Kol Nidrei emphasizes its importance. On a more practical level, we repeat it so that those who may come a bit late to synagogue should not miss the Kol Nidrei.
May all our prayers be fulfilled. May you and your loved ones be inscribed and sealed for a good, sweet, happy and healthy New Year. May all the good G-d has in store for all of us begin with the beginning of the year and continue throughout the entire year. Amen
A GMAR CHATIMA TOVA & HAVE AN EASY FAST