We sometimes forget that Yom Kippur, in a sense, is a day of joy. We are forgiven for our past mistakes and receive a clean slate. Where can we see that this is a happy day? Yom Kippur and Purim have the same root showing that they connect. Yom Kippur and Purim are days where we can have one outcome and Hashem changes what it may look like at the last second.

Now take a moment to look back at how the story of Esther changed. God‘s hand was hidden, but He was there. He is essentially the One to make the change. At the same time, Hashem only changed the decree because the Jewish people changed their ways. The Jews changing themselves to be better is the essence of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a day where we are being forgiven by God and it is a day dedicated to Him changing His decrees. However, it is up to us to help create that change, as we learn from the Purim story. You have the opportunity to change yourself and with that change and with your newfound choices, God will change His decree for you too. Going into Yom Kippur, think of something you could do to show Hashem that you have changed your ways and that you’re trying to become better. Show Him you deserve atonement and merit forgiveness.

By Shira Sedek