Originally published at Churchpop
As Christians, we know Christ is our eternal High Priest, whose sacrifice on the Cross offers forgiveness for all sins (Hebrews 9:11-14).
The rituals of atonement and confession that Catholics practice—confessing sins, receiving absolution, and performing penance—have deep roots in ancient Jewish customs.
Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, plays a significant role in this heritage.
On Yom Kippur, Jews reflect on their sins and seek forgiveness, much like we do in our Catholic tradition. This year, Yom Kippur is observed from the evening of Friday, October 11, until nightfall on Saturday, October 12.
Here are three interesting facts Catholics should know about Yom Kipper, a holiday Jesus celebrated as a devout Jew: 1) The Role of the High Priest and the “Scapegoat”
In the Bible, Yom Kippur is described as a day of cleansing and atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:30-31).
Each year, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies and offered sacrifices on behalf of Israel.
One particularly fascinating aspect of Yom Kippur involved a ritual with two goats. The High Priest symbolically transferred the sins of Israel onto one of the goats, known as the “scapegoat,” which was then sent into the wilderness.
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