How to Keep Yom Kippur
A Scriptural Guide to the Day of Atonement
*Since the day of Atonement is quickly approaching (we will be celebrating it on the 1st of October, but we know for others they might be keeping it another day). We are creating a 3-part series that will explain How to Keep Yom Kippur, Why Yom Kippur still matters, and the Prophetic Nature of Yom Kippur, hopefully helping Hebrew Israelites new to the walk to fully appreciate this High Holy Day and helping others refresh their understanding of this critical day.
What Is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement, is the tenth day of the seventh biblical month (Ethanim/Tishrei), following the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah). It is a day uniquely set apart by YAHUAH for national and personal repentance, soul-searching, and divine forgiveness.
Scriptural Foundation:
Leviticus 23:26–28 (KJV)
“And the ELOHIM spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the ELOHIM. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before YAHUAH your ELOHIM.”
This day was not given by man or the traditions of religion, but directly by YAHUAH, making it sacred in every generation. It’s the only feast day specifically described as “a Sabbath of Sabbaths“ (Hebrew: Shabbat Shabbaton), indicating its supreme importance.
The term “Kippur” comes from the Hebrew word kaphar, meaning “to cover,” “to purge,” or “to reconcile.” Yom Kippur represents the covering of sin and the restoration of relationship between YAHUAH and His people.
Commanded Observance: A Day of Rest and Fasting
Afflicting the Soul: What Does It Mean?
One of the main commands of Yom Kippur is to “afflict your souls” (Leviticus 23:27). This phrase is traditionally interpreted as fasting from food and water — but the meaning is deeper than just abstaining from physical sustenance.
Isaiah 58:5 (KJV)
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?”
Affliction of the soul includes:
Fasting (no food or drink for 24 hours)
Humility and mourning over sin
Confession and sincere repentance
Reconciliation with others
Denial of comforts and self-focus
*Be wise on this day. If you have medications that need to be taken then please do what is in the best interest of keeping you healthy. But try to keep it the best way you can.
Psalm 35:13 (KJV)
“I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
Fasting is not just a ritual; it is an act of spiritual humility, aligning our hearts with YAHUAH’s justice and mercy.
(See our books, The Holiest Day of the Year Yom Kippur: Preparing for the King’s Return, Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement: A Goat Named Azazel)
Commanded Sabbath Rest: No Work
Leviticus 23:30–31 (KJV)
“And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”
Yom Kippur is treated with the same weight as the weekly Sabbath, if not more. No labor, business, school, or commerce is to take place on this day.
This sacred rest is a symbol of complete dependence on YAHUAH’s mercy, not on our own works.
The Role of the High Priest in Ancient Times
In ancient Israel, Yom Kippur was the only day of the year when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the Tabernacle or Temple.
Leviticus 16:2 (KJV)
“...for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.”
Two Goats and the Atonement Ritual
Leviticus 16:7–10 (KJV)
“And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the ELOHIM at the door of the tabernacle... one lot for the ELOHIM, and the other lot for the scapegoat.”
The first goat was slain as a sin offering for the people.
The second goat (Azazel) was symbolically burdened with the people’s sins and led into the wilderness.
(See our books, The Holiest Day of the Year Yom Kippur: Preparing for the King’s Return, Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement: A Goat Named Azazel)
This prophetic drama shows:
The cleansing of the altar and the people
The removal of sin from the camp
A shadow of the final cleansing to come through YAHUSHUA, our High Priest
Hebrews 9:11–12 (KJV)
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come... by his own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
Modern Observance Without a Temple
Since the Temple no longer stands, we cannot physically offer sacrifices. However, we do not abandon the observance — we keep it in spirit and truth as commanded.
How We Keep Yom Kippur Today:
Sundown to sundown complete fast (no food, no water).
Cease from all work.
Read Leviticus 16, 23, Numbers 29:7-11, and the book of Jonah (a story of repentance and mercy).
Pray and confess sins privately and communally.
Examine your heart and actions throughout the year.
Reconcile relationships (Matthew 5:23–24).
Meditate on YAH’s justice and mercy.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This holy day is about spiritual reset and renewal — not ritual alone, but true teshuvah (repentance).
Warnings and Promises
Warning for Disobedience:
Leviticus 23:29 (KJV)
“For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.”
YAHUAH’s feast days are commandments, not suggestions. To ignore Yom Kippur is to ignore His atonement — a dangerous act.
Hebrews 10:26–27 (KJV)
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”
Blessings for Obedience:
Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the ELOHIM: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow...”
Psalm 32:1 (KJV)
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
YAHUAH desires to forgive, to cleanse, and to restore. The Day of Atonement is a gift — not a burden.
Keeping Yom Kippur in Spirit and Truth
Yom Kippur is not a “Jewish holiday” — it is a commanded appointment for all of YAHUAH’s people, especially those returning to His covenant as Hebrew Israelites.
To keep Yom Kippur is to:
Acknowledge your sins
Submit to YAHUAH’s judgment
Trust in His mercy
Accept His atonement through YAHUSHUA
Prepare for the day when the final judgment will be executed
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (KJV)
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear YAHUAH, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Shalom,
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