B"H
Wednesday, Tishrei 9, 5782 / September 15, 2021
Tonight, Yom Kippur,is the only fast day commanded by G-d in the Torah. The other fasts during the year were added many years after the writing of the Torah, in connection with the destruction of the Holy Temples.
Fasting on Yom Kippur is a joyous fast as our sins are forgiven and we are likened to angels, who don’t eat or drink. The other fasts are due to sad events which took place during Jewish history.
The fast of Yom Kippur lasts about 25 hours. Some even fast 26 hours, equivalent to the four letters of G-d’s name, which correspond to 26.
Every day, except for Shabbat and holidays, eating is voluntary. However, today, erev Yom Kippur, we have a special mitzvah to eat and drink, so that we have the strength and energy to fast on Yom Kippur.
Q. Why is it customary to eat pancakes filled with meat (Kreplach) today, Erev Yom Kippur?
A. The reason is that in the Yom Kippur service we quote from the prophet Isaiah (1:18), "If your sins are as red as the scarlet thread, they will become as white as snow." We symbolize this prophecy by eating "Kreplach" which consists of red meat covered with white dough.
Q. Why is it important to begin the Kol Nidrei before nightfall?
A. According to Halacha, annulments of vows may not be performed on Shabbat and holidays. Being that Kol Nidrei is an annulment of our vows, we begin reciting the Kol Nidrei before nightfall.
Q. Why do two men stand near the cantor while he recites the Kol Nidrei?
A. There should be at least three people present at the nullification of vows. At Kol Nidrei, 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 the synagogue should not miss the Kol Nidrei.
May you and your loved ones be sealed for a good, happy, HEALTHY and a Nachas Year.
May all the good which G-d has in store for us continue throughout the entire year. Amen
A GMAR CHATIMA TOVA & AN EASY FAST!
For Montreal: Yom Kippur candle lighting time: 6:47 / Yom Kippur ends: 7:47