The eve of Yom Kippur

Today is 9th of Tishrei, 5771

What should we do today in preparation for the holiest day of the year?

EATING: In the eve of Yom Kippur, we should eat and drink more than usual in preparation for the fast. This both gives us strength for the fast and substitutes for the usual Yom Tob(or this year: Shabbat) meals, which cannot be eaten on Yom Kippur because of the fast.

TSEDAKA: It is customary to give extra charity on the eve of Yom Kippur. Practicing charity is one of the best ways to show our commitment to kindness and righteousness.

ASKING FORGIVENESS: Sins committed against another person cannot be atoned for on Yom Kippur, until one first seeks forgiveness from the person he/she has wronged. Thus - it is customary to go visit (or at least call) friends, family, and any person whom one may have somehow wronged or spoken ill of in the past year and ask forgiveness. Special attention should be given in asking forgiveness from our parents.

FORGIVING: Many people practice the beautiful custom of 'forgiving' everyone they know, removing any bad feeling that might be harbored in one's heart. Parents should also forgive their children in their hearts, thus saving them from the serious eventual transgression of Kibud Ab vaEm.

MIKVEH: It is customary for men to immerse in a Mikveh (ritual bath) on Ereb Yom Kippur. This reminds us of the kohen gadol who would purify himself before starting his Holy service (Abodat Yom haKippurim).

KAPPAROT: There is a custom to do Kapparot.

See link below. In Great Neck, N.Y, Kippur starts at 6:43 PM.

Before that time we should do

1. The Seudat haMafseket (last meal before Kippur)

2. Candle lighting. This year women say when lighting the 2 candles... lehadlik ner shel Shabbat veYom haKippurim. The Mashadi custom is to say also Shehecheyanu.