Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement was a time for fasting and cleansing from sin. Traditionally, the high priest made atonement on this day for the sins of the priests, the people, and the sanctuary. The annual Day of Atonement (Yom Hakkippurim) is set forth in Leviticus 16:1-34 as the day for the supreme act of national atonement for sin. It took place on the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishri, and fasting was commanded from the evening of 9 Tishri until the evening of 10 Tishri, in keeping with the unusual sanctity of the day. On this day an atonement was effected for the people, the priesthood, and even for the sanctuary because it "is among them in the midst of their uncleanliness" (Lev. 16:16). The Ritual This was divided into two acts, one performed on behalf of the priesthood, and one on behalf of the nation Israel. The high priest, who had moved a week before this day from his own dwelling to the sanctuary, arose on the Day of Atonement, and having bathed and laid aside his regular…