9781422276563

Lent is a Christian holiday, Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday, and Rains Retreat is a Buddhist holiday. Not all Christians observe Lent, but many do. For most Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestant Christians, Lent is one of the most spiritually important times of the year. Similarly, Yom Kippur is one of the most important holidays of the Jewish calendar. Even Jews who rarely participate in religious rituals go to synagogue and pray during Yom Kippur. Rains Retreat is central to the life of the followers of Theravada Buddhism. The other main branch of Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, has abandoned the holiday. Although these atonement days differ in their customs, traditions, locations, and beliefs, all have one thing in common: the desire of their observers to lead fuller, more enriched lives that better contribute to the local and global community. Each of these observances provides such an opportunity for those willing to undertake it.

p  Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray during morning prayers at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site, in Jerusalem. In preparation for Yom Kippur, observant Jews say special prayers early in the morning, asking forgiveness for the sins committed in the past year.

Lent, Yom Kippur & Days of Repentance n 9