YOM KIPPUR: What should we do today?

Halakha of the Day
9th of Tishri, 5771
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Today, September 17th, is the eve of Yom Kippur.
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 gadolwho 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.
-TODAY THERE IS NO KIDDUSH AT ANY TIME-
Tomorrow, Yom Kippur ends (Habdala) at 7:50PM. Shofar at 7:40PM
May we all be inscribed in the book of forgiveness.

May we all be sealed in the book of life and good health, blessing and success.
Rabbi Yosef Bitton
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Click here for Kapparot
Rabbi Yosef Bitton. YMJC | 130 Steamboat Rd. | Great Neck | NY | 11024