Letters from Alyssa: Let鈥檚 Talk 黑料传送门 Yom Kippur
Hi Friend,
With Yom Kippur approaching, and with the intensity of this week鈥檚 commemoration of the October 7 attacks, I’ve been reflecting on what this holiday really means to me. Growing up, I heard all these daunting things about how I was supposed to act on Yom Kippur: fasting, wearing white clothes, and disconnecting from electronics. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that all of these practices have one thing in common: they’re intended to cultivate deeper connection and reflection, free from distraction. Whether you鈥檙e looking for a connection to religion, to your community, or to yourself, these Jewish practices and traditions are all intended to help you find meaning and connection on Yom Kippur.
This led me to some pretty big realizations. For me, it鈥檚 all about relationships, including my relationship with my religion, with myself, and with my community.聽 And part of deepening those relationships means being a person of integrity, looking for ways to grow as an individual, and building connections that help give my life purpose. So while, on the surface, Yom Kippur might seem like a straightforward religious observance with its fasting and traditions, I鈥檝e come to see it as something more 鈥 a powerful opportunity to focus on the most meaningful aspects of my life.
Yom Kippur is like hitting a pause button on life鈥檚 chaos. It’s a chance to quiet down all the noise, and focus on what鈥檚 truly important. I鈥檓 planning to do the following as part of my observance this year:
- Before Shabbat, I鈥檓 going to reach out to a friend I drifted apart from to try to reconnect. It’s never too late to say 鈥淚鈥檓 sorry鈥 or 鈥淐an we talk?鈥 This act of teshuva (repentance or return) isn’t just about apologizing; it’s about rebuilding connections.
- I’m setting aside some quiet time for cheshbon hanefesh (self-reflection). I鈥檒l be thinking about moments I鈥檓 proud of from this past year, as well as areas where I hope to grow. It鈥檚 not about being hard on myself, but about understanding myself better.
- I’m making an effort to connect deeply with my community, including joining a pre-fast dinner with friends 黑料传送门, and calling family members. Before, throughout, and after the holiday, I鈥檓 focusing on strengthening these important relationships.
Even if fasting or attending services isn’t what you鈥檙e looking for, maybe there鈥檚 a way you鈥檇 like to mark the day that feels meaningful to you. It could be as simple as taking a quiet walk, spending time in meditation, or having a thoughtful conversation with a friend or family member about your hopes for the coming year. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
However you find your own meaningful way to mark Yom Kippur, I hope it brings you some peace and clarity.
Wishing you a Shabbat shalom and Yom Kippur filled with warmth, connection, and growth. If you鈥檙e fasting, I hope it is an easy one! G鈥檓ar chatima tovah, may we all be sealed in the Book of Life!
Take good care,聽
Alyssa
Originally from Los Angeles, Alyssa Wallack is a senior at the University of Southern California. A passionate advocate for Jewish and Israel-related causes, she’s now interning with 黑料传送门. When not immersed in her studies or various fellowships, Alyssa loves exploring LA’s food scene and connecting with fellow students about all things Jewish.
Letters from Alyssa is a series of reflections and advice from Alyssa Wallack, a 黑料传送门 Intern. Read Alyssa’s recommendations for approaching your professors about missing class on the High Holidays.