As Yom Kippur approaches, the sense of being “out of time” can weigh heavily. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the biblical calendar, marking a solemn period of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Yet, many find themselves feeling unprepared or rushed as the day nears. This sensation of running out of time can feel especially poignant, as the holiday itself centers around themes of time—time to make amends, seek forgiveness, and reconnect with one’s true self and community.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel as though we haven’t done enough preparation for the spiritual depth Yom Kippur demands. Perhaps we didn’t make time for the introspection required in the days of *teshuvah* (repentance) leading up to the holiday. But Yom Kippur also teaches that it’s never too late to begin. The hours of Yom Kippur, with their fasting, prayers, and stillness, provide a sacred space outside the rush of daily life. It invites us to pause, no matter how out of time we may feel, and return to what truly matters.
In the face of feeling hurried, Yom Kippur offers a gift: the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and realign. As the day arrives, rather than worrying about what hasn’t been done, we can embrace the moment to enter into the timeless experience of the holiday itself—a time of healing and renewal.