Days of Awe

The Days of Awe (also called the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim) in 2026 began at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026 (Yom Teruah) and will end at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026 (the end of Yom Kippur).

Yom Kippur (End): Begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026. That is the end of the Days of Awe.

What are these ten days about:

• Forgiveness: People actively reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances to apologize for any wrongs committed in the past year that may have not be resolved.

• Three Pillars: Tradition emphasizes three actions: Teshuvah (return/repentance), Tefilah (prayer), and Tzedakah (charity/righteousness).

Currently, we are in the midst of the Days of Awe - the days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur. We want to be sure that we walk in 5787 with a “clean slate” if you will, having confessed and repented for any wrongdoings that the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) brings to our remembrance during this time that may have been overlooked or forgotten, even sins of omission. It is a time to reflect on the sins that we have committed and make a point of asking one another for forgiveness, repenting of wrongs, asking the Most High to forgive us cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), being steadfast in prayer, and obligated to doing what is right and just in the eyes of the LORD.

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"The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah."  (Zechariah 8:19)

Many of us fast as part of the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur particularly as part of denying ourselves.

Family, I pray that this season of introspection will culminate in more freedom and release from anything that could have hindered your moving forward, and may your fasting be one of ease.

Shalom Aleikhem