The Most Solemn Day on YAH’s Calendar
Among the seven holy feasts commanded by YAH, the Day of Atonement—known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur—stands alone in solemnity and purpose. It is a day of complete fasting, repentance, and humility before the Most High.
Leviticus 23:27 (KJV)
“Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls…”
This is not a day for celebration, but for deep introspection, prayer, and restoration. It is a divine appointment that represents both judgment and mercy, and Hebrew Israelites around the world set themselves apart to honor it.
(If you would like to have a more indepth understanding of this High Holy Day and its prophetical meanings please see our books, The Holiest Day of the Year Yom Kippur: Preparing for the King’s Return and Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement: A Goat Named Azazel)
“Afflict Your Souls”: What It Really Means
The phrase “afflict your souls” refers to fasting and self-denial. On Yom Kippur, we refrain from food, drink, and work for a full 24 hours, beginning at sundown on the ninth day and ending at sundown on the tenth.
Isaiah 58:3–6 (KJV)
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens…”
This fast is not just physical but spiritual. It’s not about ritual—it’s about removing sin, breaking strongholds, and seeking forgiveness. It is a time to draw close to YAH, to lay bare every transgression, and to intercede for both self and nation.
YAH’s Judgment Seat: The Heavenly Fulfillment
According to the Torah and the Book of Hebrews, the Day of Atonement was when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the nation.
Leviticus 16:30 (KJV)
“For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the ELOHIM.”
Hebrews 9:7 (KJV)
“But into the second went the high priest alone once every year… which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.”
In our time, Yahushua Ha’Mashiach (Christ) is the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek who entered not the earthly temple, but the heavenly one, to present His own blood for the sins of Israel (Hebrews 9:11–12).
This feast prophetically points to the future Day of Judgment when YAH will separate the righteous from the wicked. It is the final warning before the doors of mercy close.
Repentance and National Restoration
While individual repentance is key, the Day of Atonement is also a call for national repentance. Hebrew Israelites recognize this day as a time to cry out for the restoration of our people, who have been scattered, enslaved, and afflicted.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray… then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
This feast reminds us that true atonement requires turning back to the covenant, not just lip service. It is about seeking YAH’s face, acknowledging our sins, and standing in the gap for our nation.
How Hebrew Israelites Observe the Day of Atonement
This day is kept with utmost seriousness:
No food or drink for 24 hours
No work or business activity
Wearing simple, clean garments (often white)
Prayers of confession and scripture reading
Gathering together for sacred assembly (convocation)
Many read through the book of Jonah, which illustrates YAH’s mercy when a people truly repent. Others study Leviticus 16, Hebrews 9–10, and Psalm 51 during this time.
(If you would like to have more scriptures to show you exactly how to keep this High Holy Day please see our book, Hebrew Israelite Biblical Feast Days: What They Are And How We Celebrate Them)
*Also please use wisdom on this day. If you have medical conditions or have physical or mental ailments that do not allow you to do this then please use caution in how you will keep this High Holy Day.
Yom Kippur and Yahushua Ha’Mashiach
Yahushua’s atoning death fulfills the shadow of this feast.
Hebrews 10:19–22 (KJV)
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of YAHUSHUA… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
Just as the high priest would sprinkle the blood upon the mercy seat, YAHUSHUA offered Himself once and for all. But His offering does not do away with the command to observe this holy day—it gives it deeper meaning. We now approach YAH’s throne not through animal blood, but through YAHUSHUA’s perfect obedience.
A Warning and a Promise
For the righteous, this day is a seal of mercy. For the wicked, it is a warning of judgment. Hebrew Israelites understand that the Day of Atonement will be fulfilled when YAH separates the wheat from the tares, and the names are finalized in the Book of Life.
Revelation 20:12 (KJV)
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before ELOHIM… and the books were opened… and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
This is why we must treat this day with reverence. It is not a “Jewish custom”—it is a divine command, a call to holiness, and a moment of cosmic importance.
(If you would like to have a more indepth understanding of this High Holy Day and its prophetical meanings please see our books, The Holiest Day of the Year Yom Kippur: Preparing for the King’s Return and Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement: A Goat Named Azazel)
Mercy Before the Judgment Falls
The Day of Atonement is YAH’s invitation to His people: Repent and be cleansed. He desires mercy, not destruction. This day is not a burden but a blessing—a holy window to receive forgiveness before the coming wrath.
Psalm 32:5 (KJV)
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee… and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”
Let us not treat this holy day lightly. May we fast with sincerity, confess without pride, and come boldly before the throne of grace—knowing that YAH is merciful and righteous to forgive those who truly turn from sin.
Shalom,
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