By: Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ President

Dear friends and faithful prayer partners,

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, commences at sunset tonight according to the Hebrew calendar. It marks the finale of the Ten Days of Awe, the special period of introspection which began with Rosh Hashana – the Day of Trumpets.

On this day, an unusual hush descends upon Israel as sunset nears and Jewish families prepare to observe this solemn occasion.  It is a day dedicated to sincere repentance, reflection, and seeking forgiveness from God and others.

On this holiest day of the year, Israel comes to a complete standstill. No cars are on the streets, the TV broadcasts are paused, and all the restaurants are closed. Jews across the land will be fasting, praying, and attending synagogue services. Indeed, Israel stands out as the only nation on earth where everything in life comes to such a halt and an entire people fast and beseech God for their country.

May we search our own lives and heed the call to repentance on this Day of Atonement. For surely, a fountain of forgiveness has been opened for our sins, just as God promised. “’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” (Isaiah 1:18)

Blessings from Jerusalem!

Dr. Jürgen Bühler
ICEJ President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem