Yom Kippur

In the five years since I started coming to Israel, I have had the pleasure of experiencing every Jewish holiday here in the holy land, with the exception of two- Lag Baomer and Yom Kippur. When I was studying abroad here, I had an amazing Rosh Hashana in Jerusalem, but flew to meet my parents in Germany for Yom Kippur, only to return in the middle days of sukkot.

I dont like fasting, in fact I hate it. Last year I was pregnant... I got very sick and ended up eating and drinking in small amounts before the fast was over. This year I am breastfeeding, but only about half of the time, so I am hoping it will be easier. Everyone always tells stories of how amazing Yom Kippur is here, and I am excited about it. Its also exciting that for the first time I dont have to argue about taking a day off so close to the start of the school year- here it is a national holiday!

In Ulpan this week we talked about Yom Kippur. Sadly enough, I was the only person in the class (besides the teacher) who knew what Kol Nidre was. Tonight we will hearKol Nidre, which I have always thought is the most moving prayer. Until Monday at midnight we will dwell upon our transgressions in the last year, and how we can better ourselves in the year to come. I hope those of you fasting have an easy fast and

גמר חתימה טובה