Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur

by Jesma O'Hara

Following on from the Ten days of Awe, with their theme of repentance and self evaluation, which begins on Rosh HaShana, comes the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, which falls on the 10th of Tishri.

This is the most holy day of the Jewish Calendar, when observant Jews observe a total fast for twenty five hours. In Hebrew the day is called Yom HaKippurim - the day of covering or concealing with the central thought coming from the word kapparah which means atonement.

It's message is one of regeneration and forgiveness for those who follow God's way of atonement.

 

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Introducing John & Jesma O'Hara John, a businessman & Jesma have five children, and two grandchildren, Isabella and Asher. Both serve on the Eldership of Hesed Fellowship and are board members of International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem, Australian Branch and Jesma has also been the Editor of their magazine for the past 12 years. Hesed Ministries is involved in supporting a number of projects : Field workers in Israel, Orr Shalom Children's Homes, Kesher Friends of WIZO and Mercy International in Thailand. They also support orphanages and schools for AIDS affected children in Malawi and Kenya. Jesma is Chairman of the Board of Nambour Christian College, co-educational inter-denominational college of over 1200 students, from preschool to year 12. They are also the Australian Representatives of Orr Shalom Children’s Homes. Jesma's Qualifications Masters in Early Judaism and Early Christianity. B A major in Religious Studies Studied in Jerusalem at AMI Jerusalem Centre For Biblical Studies and Research and Educator’s From Abroad Study Course at Yad VaShem.