Of all the Jewish holidays in the year, Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—might seem like the least exciting. Unlike other holidays, like Chanukah or Purim, there are no parties, no special foods, and no bright decorations. In fact, people fast from sunset to sunset—no food or water for a whole day! Instead of gathering for feasts, families spend the day in Temple, from morning to evening, in prayer and self-reflection.

On Yom Kippur, everyday activities are set aside—things like driving a car, turning on lights, or even watching TV. People dress in simple clothing, avoiding leather shoes or flashy styles, to remind themselves that the day is about what’s inside, not what’s outside. Some traditions may even seem unusual, like an ancient custom of symbolically swinging a chicken overhead!

So why all these rules and customs? Because Yom Kippur isn’t just a holiday—it’s a holy day. It’s a time to pause, look inward, say sorry for mistakes, forgive others, and begin again with a fresh start.

Through personal stories, artifacts, and traditions, students will explore the meaning of this sacred day and connect it to big ideas we all share: making mistakes, saying sorry, forgiving, and trying again to be our best selves.