Yom Kippur begins this evening at sundown. This is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. It is our day of repentance and atonement for the sins that we have committed against others, ourselves, and God. This is a day for us to focus on what is going on with us internally and to block out external distractions. We fast for upwards of 26 hours to cleanse our bodies and our minds. The majority of the day is spent in prayer. We do not wear things of luxury, like leather, cleanse ourselves, or use any lotions or products. We may wear white, so we can be closer to God.
For the past decade, I have had several passes on fasting due to being pregnant or nursing. Now, that my kids are older, there is little reason for me not to participate. Parenting without food or drink can certainly be a challenge. However, parenting when you are fully fed is the farthest thing from easy. My children will have to forgive me for not being the perfect parent tomorrow when I am trying to get through the day without food and water. I am the farthest thing from perfect on any given day, especially when it comes to parenting.
Fortunately, forgiveness from children often comes easy. I love how my kids don’t hold grudges against me after I lose my temper. I love how they hug me and try to comfort me when they see I am having a bad day. I love how they forget about the argument from the day before or even the hour before. I love how they can move on after receiving a punishment. I love that they can enjoy the moment and not dwell too long on past transgressions. Sometimes I wish they would dwell a little bit longer on their wrong doings, so they will learn from their mistakes. I repeat myself constantly! Regardless, I think we have a lot to learn from our children in regards to forgiveness. Experience the moment, hopefully learn a lesson and then move on!
It is customary on Yom Kippur to ask for forgiveness from the people in our life. If I have wronged you or offended you in any way, please forgive me.
G’mar Chatima Tova! May you be inscribed in the book of life.
Delusions of Parenthood 
I loved this post! If I have wronged you in anyway, please forgive me! Love and miss you!
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Of course! I hope you forgive me as well!! Love and miss you too!!!
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Hope you had an easy fast! My husband is Jewish, so I’ve been fasting with him for the last couple years. It always seems more daunting than it is, but (from my non-Jewish perspective) I feel like it’s nice to test my body and appreciate how easily it is for me to have food and drink when that isn’t the case for many people.
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What a lovely post – I didn’t really know anything about Yom Kippur – thank-you for sharing your tradition. What a powerful message, seeking forgiveness. I especially found “For those I neglected to help, I ask for understanding.” I have been struggling with chronic pain, and it makes my ability to help others much more limited than it used to be, which creates a lot of guilt. I never thought to simply ask for understanding. I hope your day went well.
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Children do forgive and forget quickly. I love the idea of a holiday where you ask for forgiveness and it is granted so that you have a clean slate moving forward.
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It was very interesting to read about this. Your children sound amazing.
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Your children have been raised by a woman who has taught them well. I hope fasting came easily for you this year.
@Jeana Marie
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Lovely article and so true.
https://lobouniverse.com/life-insights/lfl-only-say-what-you-mean/
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Love this! Children are truly a gift from God, so sweet, so loving, so forgiving.
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