Yom Kippur is arguably the biggest and most important day of the Jewish year, and in Israel it is commemorated with profound fervor and devotion.
The reason being that Israelis believe if you properly keep Yom Kippur—Atonement Day—that your sins will be forgiven and your name will be written in the Book of Life for another year.
The atmosphere in Israel before Yom Kippur is that of reconciliation. Many Israelis spend these days seeking forgiveness from those they could’ve harmed or hurt during the year. Yet there’s a sense of atonement in the air, as people of Israel try their best to “earn” it.
During the day of Yom Kippur the atmosphere is quite unique and unlike anywhere else in the world. Almost as though the air sizzles with tension and anticipation. The whole country comes to a standstill, there are no vehicles on the roads at all, shops are all closed and both religious and secular Israelis join together in prayers and fasting in anticipation of atonement.
Imagine having one day a year when an entire nation stops everything, puts life on pause, and reflects on their mistakes and wrongdoings, when all they want is to make right by those they might have wronged, especially God, because they know the salvation of their souls depends on it.
In this time I pray for you, dear friend. May these upcoming day prior and during Yom Kippur be a blessing to you, to reflect on the salvation that you have received in Jesus.
It is also the best time to pray for Israel while they are fasting, praying and seeking God, and asking for His salvation.
Imagine what an intercessory prayer for the nation of Israel during Yom Kippur can accomplish!
Please join us in praying for Israel’s salvation according to Romans 11:26 – “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.””
Beit Hallel is a Messianic Jewish congregation in Ashdod, led by pastor Israel Pochtar, serving holocaust survivors and the poor and needy locally and throughout the nation of Israel, while building up the body of Messiah in the promised land of Israel.