Across the world today, millions of the Jewish faith will be participating in Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. Students, faculty and staff here on The University of Memphis campus are preparing for the event as well.
David Patterson, director of Judaic studies, said the holiday is one of the most ancient observances still taking place.
"It started around 3,000 years ago during the time when our people were wandering through the wilderness," he said. "God commanded our people to set aside a day for fasting and worship in order to get closer to him."
The holiday begins at sunset tonight, and those participating will begin fasting throughout the day until sunset tomorrow. During this time there will be multiple services held at the various synagogues in the city. The services will offer times of reflection and prayer, as well as readings from the Torah, the Jewish holy book.
Patterson said the purpose of the observance is to bring oneself closer to God. Over the year every person sins, but by participating in Yom Kippur, you can work to cleanse your soul and reconnect with God on a higher level.
"We try to get rid of our counterfeit selves and return to God," he said. "It is a very humbling experience, and it reminds us what is important in life."
In order to achieve a true teshuvah (a return to God) a person must also seek forgiveness from anyone they have wronged during the year. Patterson said the Jewish belief is that God cannot forgive you of your sins unless you have asked for forgiveness from others too.
George Mitzner, a psychology graduate student, uses this time each year to reflect and interact with God. He said the fasting and praying helps him to realize the importance of his religion.
"The day is important because it gives us a chance to get atonement for deeds we may not have been proud of," he said.
Joseph Blockman, a junior business economics major, agreed with Mitzner.
In order for the observance to work properly, you have to bring just yourself before God, and the fasting allows this to happen, Blockman said.
"The purpose is to get away from your earthly being and material wealth so God can see you for who you are," he said. "By fasting we can free ourselves from our worldly status and lay ourselves before God for his forgiveness."
One of the most common stories told during the observance is the tale of Jonah and the big fish. Patterson said the story is important because Jonah was fleeing from God when the big fish swallowed him. Once Jonah listened and obeyed God, things got better, and he went on to fulfill his purpose. The event reminds Jews how important it is for an individual to find and follow the path God lays out for them.
"I guess that is the message, that all you have to do is take half a step towards God, and he will come the rest of the way to meet you," Patterson said.
"You can't come empty handed to him, you must bring yourself and offer all you are for his service, but in the end, all he wants is for you to turn to him and answer his call."
