Yom Kippur: A Time to Reflect on God’s Mercy

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. Coming just ten days after Rosh Hashanah, it is a day set apart for humility, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. The traditional greeting, G’mar Chatimah Tovah – “A Good Final Sealing” – reflects the hope that one’s name will be inscribed in the Book of Life. This year, Yom Kippur will be observed beginning at sundown on October 1, 2025.

A Sacred Heritage
In the days of the Temple, this was the one day each year when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for Israel. Through sacrifice, fasting, and rest from work, God’s people were reminded of their need for mercy. Even today, Jewish communities mark Yom Kippur with fasting, prayer, and repentance, ending with the final sound of the shofar.

For Followers of Messiah
As believers, Yom Kippur is more than a reminder of our need for forgiveness – it points us directly to Yeshua (Jesus). The book of Hebrews tells us that His sacrifice is once for all. What was repeated year after year has now been fulfilled at the cross. Because of Him, our sins are covered, and we can walk in the assurance of God’s grace.

A Call to Prayer
Yom Kippur also gives us an opportunity to intercede. Paul wrote that his heart’s desire was for Israel’s salvation (Romans 10:1). As we remember this day, we can join in that same prayer – that Jewish people everywhere would come to know the atonement already secured through Messiah.

May this holy day lead us to deeper gratitude for Yeshua’s sacrifice, and to hopeful anticipation of the final redemption to come when He returns.

This article was contributed by Life In Messiah, a Missio Nexus member organizations dedicated to bringing the message of the Messiah to the Jewish people.