So Tia asked a good question.

[ysobelle]

She asked me, "What is an appropriate greeting for this holiday?"


Sigh. I'm asked this all the time, and you know what? I have no idea. Usually, we say, "May you be inscribed," which is what tomorrow's all about: praying you've been a good person, done what you should, lived up to your potential, wronged no one-- and that G-d will inscribe you in the book of life for the coming year. Here's a good article:

http://www.juf.org/news_public_affairs/article.asp?key=3536

"Good yontif" is, essentially, "A good year," I believe. You could say that, too.

But these seem a little...I don't know. Bulky, I think, for a non-Jew. It's the holiest day of the year for us, and not a simple one. "Merry Christmas" is easy, and "Happy Easter!" is fairly ubiquitous. But Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, and, all things being relative, everyone has something for which they feel they should atone. Not the merriest of subjects. Shoebox Greetings doesn't make a cartoon card with a snarky old lady giving out Yom Kippur greetings. At least, not last time I was in a Hallmark store, they didn't.

There is one way out, though. If someone is observing Yom Kippur-- and not every Jew does, it's a very personal thing-- it's likely they're fasting. Our holidays run from sundown to sundown because, as it says in Genesis, "There was dark, and there was light; and that was the first day." (We can be awfully literal sometimes.) So we'll have a nice meal as a family tonight, and then, from sundown tonight until sundown tomorrow, we'll spend the day at services, praying and contemplating. We're supposed to focus on our spiritual well-being for this day so completely that we ignore the needs of the body. That's pretty serious-- it's the only fast day in the calendar for most Jews. Usually, the thought is, "G-d gave you a decent body, take care of it already!" So to emphasise the spiritual aspects of the day, we fast. Therefore, one thing you can always say to a Jew observing Yom Kippur is, "May you have an easy fast."

But failing all else, remember one thing: just knowing "Happy Yom Kippur!" probably isn't the thing to chirp already puts you ahead of the game, and most Jews genuinely appreciate that. And if they don't, well, you can secretly hope they spend all day dreaming of food.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

okay, i just tried this. i said "Hi Aaron, may you be inscribed!" -- he looked puzzled for a moment and said "i was thinking about my arm, do you think lower backs are just for girls?" -- i wasn't sure what to say next, so i feigned illness and came back to my office.

[kylecassidy.livejournal.com]

now how on earth wasn't i logged in?

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

And yet, somehow, I knew it was you. Go figure.

Yom Kippur and the article you linked to

[indolentcin.livejournal.com]

Thank you. The article was very interesting and in speaking of the animal/living sacrifice actually edged around something I have never understood in Genesis: why Cain's offering was not acceptable. Nothing I ever read in any version of a (Christian) bible said that he offered a bad crop, that the offering was spoiled or mildewed or something, simply the first of his crop, the fruit of the earth. And if the offering was the best that he had, even if it wasn't good, didn't the intention behind it mean anything? I always had trouble with the concept that G-d would be that picky and shallow ("What, no blood, what kind of sacrifice is this?").

May you have an easy fast, a meaningful day of prayer and contemplation, and peace thereafter.

Re: Yom Kippur and the article you linked to

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That's just lovely. Mwah!

[hughcasey.livejournal.com]

Happy Day of Atonement!

(Wow... that does sound wrong...)

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it does. Like so many things in my life.

Thanks!

[mikozuna.livejournal.com]

Hmmm.. as a Non-Jew, you have opened up a bit of puzzle. I never thought to say anything in regards to this. I understand the general want in everyone to try to be curteous, and bring well wishes to all.
Maybe Happy Yom Kippur, is what should be said, so that way everyone can take from it what they need to attone, and positive to get through thier fast.
In Catholosism, we do say Happy Easter, but thats more of the general term for the time. We dont say happy crucifixion/ressurection.. as a whole that might be a bit of a downer in the hallmark isle! but when you group together the whole thing, and slap 1 label on it, people can take from it what they need.

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Well...it's not a happy kind of holiday, though. "Happy Yom Kippur!" really is sort of like saying "Happy Crucifixion Day!"

Then again, if you're Goth....

[mirroreyes.livejournal.com]

May you have an easy fast in which thoughts of kettle crack, crepes and chocolate are far from your mind.

And honestly,
May you have an easy fast and an uplifting day.

Hugs.

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

You're an evil, evil woman.

[mirroreyes.livejournal.com]

:)
bats eyes

But I love you :) and I hope you have a fulfilling day of prayer and meditation. I was just teasing you ;)

[smileitsme.livejournal.com]

You're in my thoughts. May you find what it is you seek and may you have peace about it.

Perhaps one day we'll get into a deep conversation.

[hennabee.livejournal.com]

I'm late, per usual, but I had to read up in detail on things because I got incredibly curious...

Have an uber-easy fast, and get inscribed when you are not drunk. You might regret what ink you get. *nods* That would be the best air-headed well wishing for this holiday, methinks.

In seriousness...huzzah, and may you have atonement for any of the vows you could not fulfill for God this year.

[well-artesia.livejournal.com]

Fascinating article - thanks for the link. Even considering my past-history as a Catholic/Christian, I've never quite so fully understood the sociological reasons for the Christ story.

Ben mentioned recently that a Muslim friend was fasting during daylight hours - I suppose I should go research why that might be.

Hope your break-fast meal is delicious, both literally and metaphorically. :)

[hennabee.livejournal.com]

Ramadan! At least...I think that's what it is. They fast during daylight, and have celebrations at night. I am now curious as well...praise the many gods for wikipedia, I gotta go look it up now!