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Yom Kippur: Seeking Forgiveness, Building Responsibility

03/10/2025

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day of the Jewish year. Celebrated on the tenth of Tishri (sundown Oct. 1 to sundown Oct. 2, 2025), it concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. Traditionally, the day is marked by fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness from one another, calling people to reflection, humility and commitment to change.

Yet Yom Kippur is more than ritual. It embodies what the NOA Guidelines for Fostering Jewish Life call “Sacred Time”—moments that allow communities to pause, reflect, and renew their sense of purpose.

The themes of Yom Kippur resonate deeply with NOA’s mission. It is a day that encourages taking the measure of past actions and seeing where we can do better, for ourselves and for others. In the same way, NOA’s work is based on the idea that honest evaluation and a strong commitment to action are the first steps in combating discrimination and will ultimately lead to a fairer society that benefits everyone.

As Yom Kippur ends, communities across the continent gather for the final sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn whose primeval, piercing sound symbolises awakening and renewal. It reminds us that transformation—whether it be personal or societal—requires courage and hope. This resonates with NOA’s vision of a Europe where Jewish communities can live visibly, safely and proud of who they are and how they have contributed.

Yom Kippur is a powerful reminder that meaningful transformation requires both courage and accountability, and that healing begins with clear-eyed self-examination and shared responsibility. In this spirit, NOA continues to advocate for reflection, action and a deep dedication to dignity and inclusion for Jewish communities all around Europe.

G’mar Chatima Tova—May you be sealed in the Book of Life.