The Prayer Services
One should put forth as much effort as possible to recite all the Yom Kippur prayers with utmost concentration and feeling, for these are the most crucial prayers of the year. How can one possibly stand before Hashem and request all sorts of things while daydreaming about other matters?
The Confessional Prayer
One must stand while reciting the confessional prayer (Ashamnu, Bagadnu, etc.), (Yoma 87a). One should be slightly hunched over while reciting this prayer as a symbol of subjugation. Every time the Chazzan recites the confessional prayer within the repetition of the Amida, the congregation must rise and recite it along with him.
The Sefer Torah of “Kol Nidrei”
It is a great Mitzvah and tremendous merit for rectification of sins to purchase the honor of carrying the Sefer Torah of “Kol Nidrei.” It is likewise a Mitzvah to hug the Sefer Torah tightly with both arms while Kol Nidrei is recited. The saintly Ari z”l explains that doing so rectifies severe masculine sins and it is therefore worthwhile to spend top dollar to merit this honor.
“Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto”
During the night and day of Yom Kippur, the verse “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’olam Va’ed” is recited aloud. Since this is a praise that the angels use to exalt Hashem, throughout the rest of the year, we recite it in an undertone. On Yom Kippur, however, when we resemble the ministering angels, we recite this verse aloud (Tur, Ch. 619).
The Five Afflictions
Eating and drinking, bathing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations are all forbidden on Yom Kippur.
Performing Work
Any work forbidden on Shabbat is likewise forbidden on Yom Kippur. The only difference is that if one does so advertently on Shabbat, one is liable for stoning, while if one does so on Yom Kippur, one is liable for Karet (severance of one’s soul from the Jewish nation).
Fragrant Objects
There is a Mitzvah to smell fragrant objects on Yom Kippur so that one can recite the prescribed daily quota of one-hundred blessings. Although the Mateh Efraim (Ch. 622) rules that one should not smell a fragrant fruit on Yom Kippur lest one mistakenly eat it, nevertheless, Maran zt”l writes that one may, in fact, recite the “Ha’Noten Re’ach Tov Ba’Perot” on a lemon, for it is unusual to eat from a whole lemon.
Ne’ilah
The Ne’ilah prayer is extremely precious and was enacted by our Sages specifically to be recited during the last few minutes of Yom Kippur so that we may find favor in Hashem’s eyes and that He may annul any harsh decrees against us and decree good things upon us. It is therefore important that one be energized during this prayer and recite it from the depths of one’s heart.
We, at Halacha Yomit, would like to bless our members and readership that your prayers should be joyfully accepted by Hashem this Yom Kippur.
Tizku Le’Shanim Rabbot Ne’imot Ve’Tovot!
