A Yom Kippur Confessional for 2025: Seeking Forgiveness and Renewal

As the sun sets on October 1, Jews worldwide prepare for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. This 25-hour fast is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
For Jay Michaelson, Yom Kippur is a day to confront human nature's darker aspects. 'We have missed the mark, Source of Justice and Compassion; we have stumbled, we have failed,' he writes in the Al-Chet prayer.
The Al-Chet prayer reminds us to acknowledge our flaws and seek forgiveness. 'For the sin of assuming the worst about another's motivations,' it reads. This introspection is at the heart of Yom Kippur, a holiday spanning thousands of years.
In Israel, the fast begins at 5:44 P.M. in Jerusalem and ends at 6:59 P.M. For Lori Comstock, Yom Kippur is a day to connect with others, seek forgiveness, and offer it. 'You may greet your Jewish friends or coworkers with "Shanah tovah," which translates to "good year,"' she advises.
As the world observes Yom Kippur, it's a time for reflection, not just for Jews, but for all humanity. In a world marked by conflict and division, the Day of Atonement reminds us that redemption is always possible.
Forgiveness is a choice, not a guarantee. It's a choice we must make every day, in every moment. On this sacred day, we're given the opportunity to make it anew.