Ten Days of Repentance facts for kids

The Ten Days of Repentance are a special time of year for Jewish people. During these ten days, people focus on prayer and thinking about their actions. This important period starts with the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. It ends with the fast of Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement.

Because these days are so important for reflection and asking for forgiveness, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are often called the High Holy Days. These names show how serious and meaningful these holidays are.

What are the Ten Days of Repentance?

The Ten Days of Repentance are a period of ten days in the Jewish calendar. They are a time for people to look back at the past year. It's a chance to think about mistakes and decide to do better in the future. This idea is called repentance. It means saying sorry and trying to improve.

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah is the start of the Ten Days of Repentance. It is the Jewish New Year. On this day, Jewish people celebrate the world's creation. They also think about their lives and how they can be better. A special instrument called a shofar, which is a ram's horn, is blown during services. Its sound reminds people to wake up and reflect.

Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur is the last day of the Ten Days of Repentance. It is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year. On Yom Kippur, people fast for about 25 hours. This means they do not eat or drink anything. They spend the day praying and asking for forgiveness from God and from others. It is a day to make amends and start fresh.

Why are these days important?

These ten days are very important because they offer a chance for spiritual growth. They help people to connect with their faith. They also encourage people to improve their relationships with others. It is a time for personal reflection and renewal. Many Jewish people believe that during this time, God decides what will happen in the coming year.

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