History of Yom Kippur in Timeline
Yom Kippur, meaning "Day of Atonement," is the most sacred day in the Jewish faith. Observed on the 10th of Tishrei (a month in the Hebrew calendar), it typically falls in September or early October. This solemn day focuses on repentance and atonement for sins, involving fasting and intensive prayer.
1934: Hank Greenberg's Yom Kippur Observance
In 1934, Hank Greenberg, a prominent baseball player for the Detroit Tigers, chose to observe Yom Kippur despite his team being in a crucial pennant race. His decision to attend synagogue services on this holy day, even though it meant missing a game, earned him a standing ovation from the congregation, demonstrating the public's respect for his commitment to his faith.
1965: Sandy Koufax's Yom Kippur Observance
In 1965, Sandy Koufax, the star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, famously refused to pitch Game 1 of the World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. This decision thrust him into the national spotlight, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal religious convictions.
1967: Yom Kippur in Recent Years
In 1967, Yom Kippur fell on October 14th, representing one of the latest possible dates for the holiday in the Gregorian calendar.
1973: The Yom Kippur War Begins
On Yom Kippur in 1973, Israel faced a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria, an event that marked the beginning of the Yom Kippur War. Air raid sirens blared during the afternoon, interrupting the sanctity of the holy day and forcing radio broadcasts to resume to alert the public.
2013: Yom Kippur in Recent Years
In 2013, Yom Kippur fell on September 14th, marking one of the earliest possible dates for the holiday according to the Gregorian calendar.
2013: Observance of Yom Kippur in Israel
In 2013, a significant majority (73%) of Israel's Jewish population planned to observe the Yom Kippur fast. Traditional well-wishes like "Tsom Kal" (an easy fast) or "Tsom Mo'il" (a benefiting fast) were commonly shared.
2016: UN Recognizes Yom Kippur
In a historic move signifying growing global recognition of religious diversity, the United Nations officially acknowledged Yom Kippur in 2016. This meant no official meetings would be scheduled on this day. Additionally, Yom Kippur was included among seven optional floating holidays for UN employees. This marked the first instance of the UN formally recognizing a Jewish holiday.
2043: Yom Kippur in Recent Years
Yom Kippur will occur on October 14th in the year 2043, marking one of the latest possible dates for the holiday.
2089: Yom Kippur in Recent Years
From 2089 onwards, due to shifts in the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars, Yom Kippur will no longer fall as early as September 14th.