The Little Known Theme of Yom Kippur and an Opportunity You Should Really Consider
Yom Kippur is widely known as the holiest and most solemn day of the year, since it is the Day of Atonement, commemorating the first time G-d granted the Jewish people atonement for the terrible sin of the Golden Calf. We are therefore commanded to refrain from all physical pleasures such as eating, drinking,
washing our bodies and wearing leather shoes and to spend the day in prayer, confession and reflection.
Another important event occurred on that first Yom Kippur when Moses procured clemency for the Jewish people.
Let me begin with a brief overview of the events leading up to Yom Kippur. The revelation at Sinai occurred 50 days after the exodus from Egypt and the Ten Commandments were communicated to them as a nation. Moses remained on the mountain for 40 days and nights to learn the entire Torah from the A-lmighty, after
which he received the two tablets engraved with the Ten Commandments – representing the Torah, known today as the Five Books of Moses.
Toward the end of this period, a tragic mistake occurred and the Jews served the Golden Calf. Upon witnessing this travesty after descending the mountain, Moses smashed the two tablets in a successful attempt to save the Israelites from certain annihilation at the Hand of G-d. The nation was ashamed of their
misjudgment and Moses ascended Mt. Sinai to intercede on their behalf for 40 days and nights.
G-d instructed Moses to prepare a second set of tablets to replace the first ones and to ascend the mountain once again. 40 days later, G-d granted the Jewish people atonement for their treacherous sin and Moses descended the mountain with the second set of tablets.
Our sages teach us that the Ten Commandments engraved on the second set represented the entirety of Torah scholarship for all eternity.
On Yom Kippur we were granted the Torah in a greater measure than before!
This brings me to an amazing opportunity you can capitalize on this Yom Kippur.
The famous Jewish sage Maimonides authored a digest of all the 613 mitzvoth called Sefer Hamitzvot. In 1984, the Rebbe introduced a novel study cycle of Maimonides’ great work on Jewish law and incorporated and easy to follow system of learning all 613 mitzvoth in under a year. Several days ago, the 36th was completed and the new cycle is well under way.
On Sunday, the day after Yom Kippur we start studying the first mitzvah. Commit a few minutes a day and by Rosh Hashanah you will have studied about all 613 mitzvoth!
There are many resources available in numerous languages. Easy-to-read overviews, audio and video
classes and a daily email straight to your inbox. There is even an app for it!Click
here to find the best way for you to join.
This is a great way to bring the inspiration of Yom Kippur to the rest of the year. You will be happy you did it!
Best wishes for Gmar Chasima Tova – to be sealed for a good and sweet new year!
Good Shabbos and Good Yom Yov,
Rabbi Levi Greenberg
