(1)
Anonymous
10/16/2007 4:44:00 PM Emphasize, the POSITIVE!
STATE! So MANY Jews, DO ATTEND SYNAGOGUE, SPECIFICALLY, on Yom Kippur!
(2)Jeff
10/10/2007 6:08:00 PM sad comment on priorities
I think it's sad that so many people only go to shul on Yom Kippur (and maybe 1 day of Rosh Hashanah). They talk about tradition and honouring their ancestors. But what message are they sending to their children and grandchildren? That being Jewish is a 1/365 event? That the synagogue is a gruellingly boring and lengthy obligation to endure once every September? For all of you who think a once-a-year attendance is enough (not a view I endorse): Better to go to synagogue (with your kids, if you have any) on Simchat Torah, a day of dancing and a celebration of our Torah and heritage; or Purim, a day of joy, costumes, noisemakers and merriment. Learn that Judaism is a vibrant and exhilarating thing worth celebrating, not just some burden or relic passed down through the ages.
(3)Esti
10/10/2007 12:43:00 AM
That's sad. Judaism is something you live by 24/7/365... not only one day a year. It's like taking a Rembrandt, covering it up so that a tiny corner shows, and calling it a Rembrandt!
(4)John Izbicki
10/7/2007 10:31:00 AM
I go to synagogue on that one day a year and also fast throughout Yom Kippur not because I am frumm but because I want to keep up with tradition and to honour my late parents and the many relatives who were murdered in Nazi extermination camps. I also burn Yahrzeit candles for the same reason. I am a Jew by race and tradition and shall remain so.
(5)Steph Miller
10/6/2007 6:42:00 PM I think this is a call to action
I think this short scene speaks volumes. Perhaps most importantly, though, I think it serves as a call to action to those who fall under the category observant.
For those who are observant, I think it shows that there are plenty of opportunities to show others how fulfilling the Jewish community/religion can be (and you'd be doing a mitzvah!). After all, if people knew, they would come, which means they must never have experienced the excitement of Judaism (or perhaps they just need a little reminder). Why not be that friendly, helpful soul who helps someone in their return? And, since some go more than others, this means you need to be extra outgoing...you will only have a couple of opportunities, so make the most of them.
(6)Rosen
10/2/2007 9:02:00 PM Yom Kippur and Chanukah
Not only should Yom Kippur bring the Jews to synagogue, but why not Chanukah as it is around the same time as Xmas and has a longer period to give out presents, as well as light the candles on the menorah?...It's sad that many Jews don't see the obligation in being Jewish, other than showing up to temple on YK, or in the very least showing up to a break-the-fast event. At least Aish.com and Jewlarious provide a great amount of info on how to go about being Jewish. As for me, I am proud of my Jewish heritage, and will NOT intermarry or convert outside my creed. It's a matter of diligence to Judaism, which is not only a religion, but a way of life. It's all a matter of balancing terms between the secular world and the sacred world of Judaism within moderations.
(7)aliza
10/2/2007 4:52:00 PM I didn't know any better
I went one day a year (okay, two - also Rosh Hashana), simply because I didn't know any better. Now, not only do I know better, but I'm shomer mitzvot.
If I had been made to feel uncomfortable, or unwelcome, or scorned that one day a year, I wouldn't be where I am today. I agree with the commenters who say better one day a year than not at all.
(8)Kuppel Lindow
9/21/2007 9:59:00 AM To Annonymous
I didn't say change the religion. I said apply some of the methods that were used eons ago and find spirituality and goodness. Let's not just focus on the daled amos of halacha and the intellectual side of Judaism, but also focus on the emotional side and people. Let's take tefilla back to the way it was. If we focused more on the emotianal side of Judaism and care for others than how machmir we can be, then we'd atract even more Baalei Teshuva. Also, maybe then we can stem the tide of the already observant Jews leaving the fold by the thousands.
I recently received an email originating from Arutz Sheva in Israel which says that this is what is going on in many minyamim this Yom Kippur in Israel. They're making the davening in a more friendly environment and not judging other Jews who come so infrequently. They're just showering their fellow Jew with love and suggesting nothing else. I propose a happier Judaism within halacha that makes sure to have a place for all people no matter how observant they are or want to be.
(9)
Anonymous
9/20/2007 3:12:00 PM
All year round, people get away with saying "I don't buy into this". And then all of a sudden Kippur comes along, the day where our fate is being sealed- this oh so important day that you don't want to miss- and those same people end up in synagogue as if they're saying "just in case all of this is true, I got myself covered". And we all do this to a certain level. We all have our "rest of the year" and "yom kippur" attitude towards different things. It's not easy to act "Jewish" every day. Once a year is ok. B'H may we all merit this year to truly fight for what we truly, deep down in our hearts, believe in- despite the difficulties.
(10)Avi Sivan
9/20/2007 12:33:00 PM one day to remember who we are
well, it's better to remember who we are at least one day than to forget altogether, like most of us have forgotten where we came from, and who created us. Baruch ha Shem
(11)
Anonymous
9/20/2007 12:12:00 PM To Kuppel Lindow:
Well, we've already tried plenty of new things - Karaism, Shabbateanism, Reform, Conservatism - and they only made matters worse. Now many thousands of baalei tshuvah are trying the old thing, and they find it wonderfully fulfilling and inspiring. Children, come home, it's almost time for supper!
(12)
Anonymous
9/20/2007 3:09:00 AM
The more we keep yom kippur, the more importance we give it, thats how it reflects on the secular world. if we would keep the shabbat like we keep yom kippur, the secular ppl would also keep it better. its all up to us. the better ppl we are the more we influence the world.
(13)mo
9/19/2007 8:14:00 PM
because jews, like all things in the universe, want to return to their natural state
(14)b.
9/19/2007 3:17:00 PM Even in Israel the Secular State
Israel is considered a secular state and yet on yom kippur people are discouraged from going out to play. and unless it is an emegergency, people are told not to be out driving. and a majority of the people who are not religious will put on a hot plate and not watch tv. Deep down everyone knows the right path.
(15)Mary Ellen
9/19/2007 2:13:00 PM Why doso many Jews attend synagogues specifically on Yom Kippur?
On Yom Kippur, we have a chance to right the wrongs we have done to others. A chance to atone for our sins. To tell G-d, we are sorry for our sins. To be with the Jewish community and pray together...praying with the Jewish Community brings unity or a sense of continuity or even solace.
(16)Kuppel Lindow
9/19/2007 10:13:00 AM Guilty feelings - we need a change
I believe that the numbers are up on Yom Kippur, not because people want to be there, but out of guilt. People feel bad to not at least attend on this supposed "Holiest day of the year." Prayer to most people doesn't mean much. Most of our prayers were cannonized over 1000 years ago and most people don't relate to it. This is a problem for all denominations of Judaism.
Perhaps it's time for a change of attitude within the structure of the siddur. We need to teach prayer so it resonates to today's populace and culture. Maybe even resurrect the original style of prayer from 2500 - 3000 years ago which focused on a group meditation, as opposed to a more intellectual excercise. We need to try new things to get the masses of Jews connected to the Jewish G-d out of love and desire and not guilt.
(17)R.F.
9/19/2007 9:35:00 AM Better then Nothing
My husband goes to shul three times a day, as required of an orthodox jew. I do have relatives that only go yom kippur, and I say: Well, that's better then nothing. Many of them feel a connection on yom kipppur and they undertake to change in the comming year. Even if it only lasts a short time - They have gained some more merit. And it's certainly better then not going at all. (I have those type of relatives too)
(18)R.R.A.
9/18/2007 4:20:00 PM Our Neshama Knows Where To Turn
Lets say that a fish gets thrown out of the water and its struggling in sand (meanwhile its thinking its "free") if it wants to continue living, it must go back to the water, even if just for a little bit, it must!
We are the same, we struggle, we think we are truly free when we are out of the water, but in reality, we know where to turn for survival!
(19)JOYCEDANELEN@YAHOO.COM
9/18/2007 4:17:00 PM Please
A Jew is a Jew and you may ask G-d at anytime what do I need to do G-d?
(20)ANSHEL
9/18/2007 2:26:00 PM ORTHODOX JEWS GO TO SYNAGOGUE EVERY DAY
BE AN ORTHODOX JEW AND FIND HASHEM
(21)
Anonymous
9/18/2007 10:21:00 AM The pintela yid
Within every Jew lies the Pintela Yid- that spark of Judaism which always burns and can never be extinguished. That spark burns a little stronger on Yom Kippur and perhaps will continue to get stronger as that person draws closer and closer to Hashem.
(22)
Anonymous
9/18/2007 5:58:00 AM Synagogue on Yom Kippur? Jewish burial?
Yom kippur is the one day when a jew shows his real colours, saying 'G-d this is what I really am, I'm all yours, yes I have been too occupied to think of you during the year, but, deep down I should be doing much more for you'. Hopefully, on Yom Kippur we are judged 'as seen' if we have sincere intentions to clean up our act in the future. The scary thing is that nearly all Jews demand a Jewish burial for the same reason, However, at that stage it may be too late! repentance is not an option for the dead! A person stays at the exact same spiritual level for eternity! So lets make use of Yom Kippur before its too late and too bad.
(23)ForGiveIn
9/17/2007 9:59:00 PM We all need to be forgiven and to forgive.
It is worth more than all the therapy and medicine in the world to allow ourselves the open honesty of heartfelt forgiving - for others and ourselves. Who knows this about us better than G-d? The Day of Atonement gives us the hope of accomplishing that. This from a gentile who loves Jews.
(24)Margaret Goldman
9/17/2007 7:27:00 PM Guilt
As a child I witnessed many Jwes standing at the back in the Synagaoge and was told by my mother they were GESCHMAT but can never forget they are Jews
(25)Rita
9/17/2007 5:10:00 PM
Because is a day where God is more near us and with us
(26)Michelle
9/17/2007 4:29:00 PM Because ...
It may be the one day that these individuals feel connected and is important enough that they set aside work and other pursuits
(27)
Anonymous
9/17/2007 2:47:00 PM Guilty
Jews go to Temple on Yom Kippur because they think that this special day of the year will forgive all their sins.
(28)
Anonymous
9/17/2007 1:13:00 PM Yom Kippur
This is just a very sad commentary on the state of Jewish observance among too many Jews.
(29)Jean-Victor Côté
9/17/2007 12:05:00 PM Mybe there should be no walls on Yom Kippour
Because, as sin touches everyone, so everyone should benefit from repentance.
(30)dave
9/17/2007 3:44:00 AM one day
Why Jews attend one day on Yom Kippur....minimum requirement.
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