Laws, and Customs of Yom Kippur 5772

[Rabbi Aryeh Citron]

Laws, and Customs of Yom Kippur 5772

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Please note: The times given in the article are for taken from chabad.org and are correct for Miami. For the times in other cities, see the end of the article

The Ten Days of Repentance

If possible one should buy a lulav and etrog set during these days. The merit of one’s alacrity in this mitzvah will stand him in good stead on the Day of Judgment (Yom Kippur).[1]

What to Look for When Purchasing a Lulav and Etrog

Lulav[2]

• The lulav (palm branch) should be straight and preferably not split on the top.
• If it is bent backwards, it is kosher.
• If the middle branch is split, it is still kosher, provided that that the split doesn’t reach until the bottom of that branch.[3]

Etrog[4]

• The etrog (citron) should be nice-looking and should not have black spots on the top.
• The top is defined as where the fruit begins to slope upwards.
• If the etrog grew without a pitum (flowerlike protrusion on the top), it is kosher.
• One should preferably not choose an etrog which had a pitum that broke off.
• The color should be yellow or at least partially yellow.
• The Chabad custom is to preferably use an etrog from a certain part of Italy where the land is especially fertile and where there is a tradition that the etrogim were not grafted. These etrogim are referred to as Yanover esrogim. They are grown in Calbria, a section near the “toe” of Italy, and are shipped from the Italian port of Genoa.
• In any event, one should make sure to only buy etrogim that have Rabbinic supervision to ensure that the etrogim were not grafted (or are not from a line that was grafted).

Hadas[5]

• The leaves of the hadas (myrtle) should be in groups of three.
• If possible, one should choose hadasim in which all of the leaves in the top three handbreadths (nine and a half inches) of the hadas[6] are in groups of three.
• If this is not possible, one should make sure that at least a majority of the leaves within the top nine inches are in groups of three.

Aravah[7]

• The aravah (willow) should be a species in which the leaves are long and oval-shaped. The leaves should either be smooth around the edges or with small ridges. If the ridges are deep, it is not considered a kosher species of aravah.

Shlosh-Esreh Midot, Thursday Oct. 6^th – 8^th of Tishrei

The Selichot of this day (for those who say Selichot in the Ten Days of Repentance) are referred to as the Shlosh-Esreh Midot. This day is considered an auspicious day. There was a custom for people to make their Yom Kippur candles (see below) on this day while reciting special prayers.[8]

Erev Yom Kippur Friday, Oct. 7^th - 9^th of Tishrei

See below for Erev Yom Kippur at a Glance

Kaparot^[9]

• In the morning, it is customary to perform the Kaparot ceremony (Siddur pg. 362).
• In this ceremony, one should take a (preferably) white chicken, wave it around his or her head and ask G-d that the chicken’s death be an atonement for oneself.
• One should consider that all of what the chicken is going through is really what he deserves to experience. This should inspire one to a greater teshuvah.
• A man should use a rooster while a woman should use a hen.
• A pregnant woman should use two hens and one rooster because the unborn child may be either a boy or a girl. If this is difficult, she may use one rooster and one hen.[10]
• It is best to use a separate chicken for each person. If one cannot afford this, one may use one rooster for all the males in the family and one hen for all of the females in the family.[11]
• One who will be doing kapparot for others should first do it for himself so that one who is pure can atone for those seeking atonement.
• If it is difficult to get a chicken, one may also use money instead of a chicken.[12]  The money is then given to charity. When doing so, one should substitute the phrase Zeh Hakesef Yelech L’tzedoka (this money will go to Tzedaka) in place of the phrase Zeh Ha-tarnegol Yelech L’mita (this chicken will go to its death).
• Before bringing the chicken to be slaughtered, some have a custom to lean on the chicken. This is similar to the sacrifices in the Holy Temple on which the owners would lean.

 

Covering the Blood

 

• There is a mitzvah to cover the blood of slaughtered (kosher) fowl and wild (kosher) animals. One who wishes to perform this mitzvah, should ask the shochet (ritual slaughterer) permission to do so. This is because the mitzvah technically “belongs” to the shochet. He should say the blessing: Asher Kidishanu … al kisuy Dam Be’afar while standing and then cover the blood with sawdust, sand or earth.
• The blood should be covered so that it is not visible at all.
• It is customary to tip the shochet.
• Either the chickens or their value should be donated to the poor.
• Certainly it is forbidden to discard them as this would be a transgression of the Biblical commandment of bal tash-chit (one may not waste).
• The traditional time for Kapparot is in the early morning of Erev Yom Kippur. If this is too difficult, one can do Kapparot on the previous night or earlier in the Ten Days of Repentance.
• Some men have a custom of immersing in the Mikvah before Kapparot.

 

Yom Tov Clothes

 

• The Chabad Rebbes would wear their Yom Tov garments on this day, even in the morning.[13]
• Some say one should don their Yom Tov clothes before Mincah.[14]

 

 Selichot

Ashkenazim who say Selichot during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah recite a shorter version of the Selichot on this day.[15]

The Sefardic custom is to say more Selichot than usual on this day.[16]

 

 

Shacharit[17]

During Shacharit (morning services), we do not recite:

• Mizmor LeToda (Siddur pg. 30) as the Todah (thanksgiving offering) was not sacrificed on this day.
•  Neither Tachnun (Siddur pg. 54) nor Avinu Malkeinu as this day is considered a mini Yom Tov.
• Some recite Avinu Malkeinu in Shacharit as Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, and on Shabbat we do not say this prayer until Ne’ilah (see below).[18]

Many Sefardim do recite Mizmor LeTodah and Avinu Malkeinu. In addition, they do Hatarat Nedarim after the prayers.[19]

• As Erev Yom Kippur is a busy day, it is customary to not pray Shacharit (morning prayers) at length.[20]
• We do not say Tachnun from Erev Yom Kippur until the end of the Hebrew month of Tishrei.

 

Lekach

• It is customary in many communities for each person to ask each other for a piece of Lekach (honey cake) on the morning of Erev Yom Kippur. In many Shuls, the Gabbai of the Shul provides this.[21] This is in case it was decreed on a person that he will need to ask for help from his fellow-man in this year. That decree is thus fulfilled at this time.[22]
• The Lubavitcher Rebbe would hand out honey cake to his Chassidim on this day.[23]
• I have heard that this custom is also related to the mitzvah of eating on Erev Yom Kippur.

Visiting Graves

Some have the custom of visiting graves of Tzadikim on this day and to give Tzedakah while doing so.[24]

Asking for Forgiveness^[25]

Yom Kippur does not atone for a sin between man and his fellow man if the one who wronged the other does not seek forgiveness. As the verse says: “For on this day He shall atone for you and cleanse you. Before the L-rd, you shall be cleansed from all your sins.”^[26] That is, “this day” (Yom Kippur) only atones for the sins “before the Lord,” whereas the sins that involve a fellow-man are not atoned unless one seeks his forgiveness.

• For this reason anyone who insulted or hurt a fellow-man must apologize and ask for forgiveness on (or before) this day.
• The peace that is brought about on this day through these actions causes the Satan to have no claims against the Jewish people.
• In addition, when we forgive each other, G- d acts reciprocally and forgives us.
• If the grieved party did not forgive, one should attempt to seek forgiveness at least another two times. Each time he should bring a different group of friends to show that he is sincere in his attempts.
• If one insulted his teacher, there is no limit to the number of times he must ask for forgiveness.
• One should ask one’s parents for forgiveness in case one did not honor and respect them sufficiently.[27]
• One who is asked to forgive should not harden his heart but should forgive quickly unless doing so will lead to his detriment e.g., if he feels this will lead to a repeat of the negative behavior.
• If one does not remove hatred from his heart on Yom Kippur, his prayers are not heard.[28]

 

Eating on this Day^[29]

It is a mitzvah to eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur in order to be able to fast on Yom Kippur. One who does so receives reward as if he had fasted two days in a row.

• For this reason some have a custom to eat two meals (including washing for Challah) on Erev Yom Kippur. The first meal is in the morning while the second follows Mincha.
• It is customary to dip the Challah into honey.
• Some have a custom of baking Chalot that resemble wings for this day. This is because on Yom Kippur we resemble angels with wings on Yom Kippur.[30]
• It is not necessary to have lechem mishnah (two loaves of challah).
• Many Ashkenazim have the custom of eating Kreplach (pockets of dough and (chicken) meat) on this day.[31]
• When one finishes the second meal (referred to as the Se’udah HaMafseket) it is best to make a condition that he will be permitted to eat and drink up until the fast actually begins.
• One should try to invite poor people to one’s meals on Erev Yom Kippur especially for the Se’udah Hamafseket. This brings atonement to the host family.[32]

 

What Not To Eat?[33]

• On Erev Yom Kippur it is proper not to eat:
• Red meat (so one shouldn’t be overfull when praying on Yom Kippur),
• Nuts or sesame seeds (these may cause one to salivate and be distracted during the Yom Kippur prayers).
• In addition, men should not eat garlic or eggs during the entire day, nor dairy or spicy foods in the afternoon.  This is to ensure bodily purity.

 

 

Mikvah^[34]

It is customary that men immerse themselves in the Mikveh on this day. This is in order to pray in purity on Yom Kippur. The immersion is also symbolic of Teshuvah (repentance). Just as a convert immerses in a mikvah and becomes a “new man” or a “new woman,” so too we become new people as a result of our Teshuvah. For this reason, one should confess (in their minds) while in the Mikvah.

• Some immerse before Mincha while others do so right before the fast.
• Some have a custom to immerse three times:
  1) before Kaparot; 2) before Mincha and 3) before Kol Nidrei.
• This seems to be the Chabad custom.
• Each time one should immerse oneself in the Mikvah at least three times.
• One may use a swimming pool for this purpose. It is preferable to turn the filter off.
• One who cannot immerse in a Mikvah should instead shower thoroughly for several minutes.
• In some communities married women who are in the pure part of their cycle also immerse in the Mikvah on this day.
•  Extensive preparation (as women do before regular Mikvah immersions) is not required for this immersion.
• No blessing is recited on this immersion.

 

Malkut - Lashes^[35]

It is customary for men to receive Malkut (symbolic lashes) on this day. This is in order to cause one to take his sins to heart and regret them. It also humbles a person and prepares him to serve the A-lmighty with awe and fear.

• The lashes are administered before immersion in the Mikvah and Mincha (Chabad custom). A leather strap (belt) is used.[36]
• Some do the lashes after Mincha.[37]
• The one receiving the Malkut should kneel facing north and the one administering them should tap him on his back lightly 39 times while reciting the verse “Vehu Rachum” (top of pg. 118 in the Siddur see below).[38]
• The lashes begin on the right shoulder, then the left shoulder and then the center of the middle of the back. They continue in this circular pattern for a total of 39 times. The one receiving the lashes should recite this verse together with the one administering them.
• Some say the one receiving lashes should confess his sins at this time.^[39]
• The text of the verse is: וְלֹא-יַשְׁחִית וְהִרְבָּה, לְהָשִׁיב אַפוֹ וְלֹא-יָעִיר, כָּל-חֲמָתוֹ    וְהוּא רַחוּם, יְכַפֵּר עָו‍ֹן[40]

Mincha^[41]

• One should don their Shabbos clothes before Minchah (see above).
• Before Mincha, it is customary to give a lot of Tzedaka. The Baal Shem Tov taught that the unholy forces are disturbed by the rattling sound of the coins being given to Tzedakah at this time.
• During the silent Amidah, Al Chet (the confessionary prayer) is added (Siddur pg. 363) before the final paragraph. The purpose of confessing at this time is in case we are unable to confess on Yom Kippur night (due to overeating or drinking and the like).
• One should bend his head while reciting the Al Chet as a sign of humility. In addition, one should bang his chest with his fists (softly) to indicate that the sins we did were a result of the desires of the heart. The same is true for all of the times one recites the Al Chet during Yom Kippur.
• In addition to the sins enumerated in the Al Chet, one should (quietly) mention any additional sins that one knows he transgressed.
• If the Chazzan begins the repetition of the Amidah while one is still saying the viduy, one may respond to Kedusha, Modim and the Amens of HaMelech HaKadosh and Shome’ah Tefillah.[42]
• The final meal before the fast (Se’udah HaMafseket) should be eaten after Mincha.

 

Se’udah HaMafseket[43]

 

One should make sure not to drink alcohol during this meal in a way that will lead to drunkenness.

See above as to which foods are appropriate at this time.

If one wishes to eat after completing this meal, he should have this in mind before starting to recite the Grace after Meals.

 

Yom Kippur Candles^[44]

In addition to the Yom Tov candles which women light, it is customary in Ashkenazi communities for the head of every household to light a 24-hour candle before Yom Kippur.

• This is called the Lebedikeh licht (the living light). These candles symbolize the Torah (as Moshe brought down the second set of Luchot on Yom Kippur) as well as each person’s neshama (which seeks atonement on Yom Kippur).[45] Both of these are compared to a candle.
• One who says Yizkor should light an additional candle (this is called the Neshama Licht – the Neshama candle) for the merit of one’s deceased parent or parents.[46] Chabad custom is that the Lebedikeh Licht is lit in Shul and the Neshama Licht is lit at home. Some have the opposite custom. One may use either of these candles for havdalah (as explained below).
• One should not recite a Bracha on these candles.
• In addition, some have the custom of keeping a lit candle in the bedroom where the husband and wife sleep. See below.

Candle lighting

 

• Although the fast begins several minutes before sundown, women and girls who are lighting candles (at 6:44 pm) begin the fast at that time. Men must also add to the holy day by refraining from eating, working etc. for at least several minutes before sundown.
• Two Brachot should be recited: Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbat Veshel Yom HaKippurim and Shehecheyanu.
• Candlelighting and the fast begin at 6:44 pm (in Miami).

 

Blessing of the Children

• It is customary to bless one’s children before going to Shul for Kol Nidrei. (I have heard that some people give this blessing after the prayers at night.)
• One should treat the blessing of their parents with great reverence. Our sages taught that the descendants of Esau merited all of the goodness and dominion that they have in the world in the merit of Esau’s desiring the blessing of his father and crying out: “Bless me too, my father.”[47]

The traditional blessing for boys includes:

יְשִׂמְךָ אֱ־לֹהִים כְּאֶפְרַיִם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁה  Yisimcha Elo-him K’Ephraim V’chi’Menashe. (May Hashem make you (grow up to) be like Efrayim and Menashe)

The traditional blessing for girls includes:

יְשִׂמֵךְ  אֱ־לֹהִים כּשׂרה רבקה רחל ולאה Yisemaich Elo-him K’Sora Rivka Rochel V’leah. (May Hashem make you (grow up to) be like Sarah Rivkah Rochel and Leah)

The blessing for both boys and girls continues:

יְבָרֶכְךָ יְ־הֹוָ־ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ:

Yivorechacha Ado-noi V’yishmorecha. May the L-rd bless you and watch over you.

. יָאֵר יְ־הֹוָ־ה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ

Ya-ayr Ado-noi Panav Aylecha Veechuneka. May the L-rd cause His countenance to shine upon you and favor you.

. יִשָּׂא יְ־הֹוָ־ה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

Yissa Ado-noi Panav Aylecha Veyasem L’cha Shalom. May the L-rd raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace.

וְשָׂמוּ אֶת שְׁמִי עַל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַאֲנִי אֲבָרֲכֵם:

Ve’samu Es Shemi Al B’nai Yisrael Va’ani Averichem.  They shall bestow My Name upon the children of Israel, so that I will bless them."

• The father should then add whichever blessing he wishes to bestow upon his child, especially relating to being sealed for a good year and that his children’s hearts should be complete in the service of G-d and they should serve G-d with sincere love and fear.[48]
• Some have a custom to seek the blessings of their other relatives who are pious, righteous people.[49]
• The Lubavitcher Rebbe would bless his Chassidim on Erev Yom Kippur and would also give a special blessing for the Yeshivah students before Kol Nidrei.

One should cover their table with a nice tablecloth in honor of Yom Kippur.[50]

Erev Yom Kippur At A Glance (Chabad custom)

• Mikvah
• Kaparot (If not done earlier)
• Shacharit
• First meal
• Malkot
• Mikvah
• Mincha (in Yom Tov clothes)
• Seudah Hamafseket
• Birkat Habanim (may be done later as well)
• Mikvah
• Talit and Kittel
• Kol Nidrei

Yom Kippur

Friday night and Shabbos Sep. 8^th and 9^th – 10^th of Tishrei

Dinim (laws) of Yom Kippur

Fasting^[51]

• All healthy Jewish men and women who are of age are obligated to fast.
• Under normal circumstances even pregnant or nursing women should fast. If one’s doctor feels that they cannot fast for a particular reason, one should consult with a rabbi as to how to eat (see below).
• A woman who has given birth within the last three days is exempt from fasting.
• From the 3^rd to the 7^th day after giving birth, a new mother need not fast unless both she and the doctor are sure that she can fast.
• Those with a particular need beyond that time or anyone who has an illness which requires them to eat should consult their doctor and Rabbi.
• Those requiring medication for a serious condition should consult a Rabbi.
• Even when permission is given to eat, if possible one should eat and drink in small doses., i.e., eat a medium-size cracker, drink a tablespoon of water, wait seven minutes and repeat. One should consult with a Rabbi for more details.
• If one needs to eat for health reasons, they may not be strict and fast. Doing so is considered foolish piety. Concerning this, the Torah says: “But your blood, of your souls, I will demand [an account].”[52]

Children

• Children under the age of 9 years should not fast.
• Children nine years old and above should be trained to fast part of the day.
• Health permitting, boys and girls from eleven years old until bar or bat mitzvah, should fast the entire day.
• The custom today is not to be strict in this matter but rather to permit children under Bar or Bat Mitzvah to not complete their fast.
• One should not touch food or drink unless necessary for one’s young children.

Leather Shoes^[53]

• One may not wear shoes that contain any leather at all (suede is leather). This is true whether the upper part or the sole are made of leather.
• Shoes made of other materials may be worn, even if they are comfortable.[54]
• If it is raining and the streets are muddy and one does not own shoes without leather, they may walk to Shul in leather shoes and remove them upon arrival.[55]
• This law applies to children of all ages as well.
• Other leather garments (e.g. belt, jacket) may be worn.

Washing^[56]

• One may not wash (even part of) themselves on this day.
• Upon waking up in the morning, or after using the bathroom, one should wash one’s hands only up to the knuckles which join the fingers to the hand.
• One who normally washes six times alternately after using the bathroom may do so on Yom Kippur (until the knuckles).[57]
• Children should wash their hands as usual until the wrist before eating bread.
• In the morning, after washing negel vasser and drying one’s hands, one may use the remaining moisture to wipe “the sleep” off of his eyes.
• If one’s eyes are encrusted in the morning, he may wash them.
• It is forbidden to immerse in the Mikvah on Yom Kippur.[58]
• A woman whose Mikvah night falls out on Yom Kippur should postpone it to the next night.
• A woman who needs to do a Hefsek Taharah may do so on Yom Kippur. She may wash as she would when doing a Hefsek on Shabbat.[59]

Oils and Lotions^[60]

• It is forbidden to anoint the body with any kind of oils or deodorant.

Marital Relations^[61]

• One may not have marital relations on Yom Kippur.
• Couples should conduct themselves as they would during the Niddah state (i.e. follow the laws of harchakot – see Y.D. 195).
• Some have a custom of leaving a lit candle in the bedroom where a husband and wife sleep as a reminder of this prohibition. (This acts as a reminder since it is forbidden to have relations when there is light in the room, and one may not extinguish a candle on Yom Kippur.)

Yom Kippur Night

Kol Nidrei^[62]

It is customary for men to wear a Kittel (white over-garment) on Yom Kippur. This is an aid to help a person achieve humility since a Kittel resembles a shroud and reminds us of our mortality. In addition, the color white is reminiscent of the angels, whose level we aspire to reach on this day. Chabad custom is that a groom who got married during the past year and wore a Kittel at the wedding does not wear a Kittel on Yom Kippur.

One must take off his Kittel before entering a bathroom.

In some communities, women wear white as well.[63]

• Married men should wear a tallit for Kol Nidrei. One should say the bracha on the tallit before sunset.
• If one is donning the tallit after sunset, he should do so without reciting the bracha.[64]
• Before Kol Nidrei one should recite Ashamnu and Al Chet privately as well as Tehillim. (Chabad custom is to recite psalms 115 to 123 at this time.)
• The Ark should be opened for Kol Nidrei and at least three Torah Scrolls should be taken out. It is a great mitzvah to purchase the honor of holding the first scroll.[65]

Other Prayers

• The verse Baruch Shem (the second line of the Shema) is said aloud throughout Yom Kippur. This prayer was heard by Moses from the angels. Because on this day we resemble angels, we say it aloud.
• The congregation and Chazzan recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu after Kol Nidrei. Women who said this bracha when lighting the candles should not repeat it.
• Before ma’ariv, we recite a shortened version of Kabalat Shabbat.
• The Chassidic custom is to begin from Mizmor LeDavid (psalm 25).
• Minhag Ashkenaz is to start from Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbat.
• This year one should make sure to add all the appropriate parts of the prayer for Shabbat.
• Since it is Shabbat, we do not recite Aveenu Malkeinu except during the last prayer, Ne’ilah.
• Some people have the custom to recite the entire Tehillim on Yom Kippur night after Maariv. The Lubavitcher Rebbe would do this.
• Before going to sleep on this night, men should recite the first 4 chapters of Tehillim.

Day of Yom Kippur
Shabbat, Oct. 8^th, 10^th of Tishrei

• It is customary to rise before daybreak (dawn) on Yom Kippur.  In Miami, dawn is at 6:08 a.m.
• One should wash Negel Vasser (morning hand-washing) only up to one’s knuckles.
• One may not rinse his mouth out, whether with water or mouthwash.[66]
• One should omit the blessing She-asa Li Kol Tzorki (Siddur pg. 7) when saying the morning blessings on Yom Kippur. This blessing thanks G-d for our shoes. Since we cannot wear (ordinary) shoes on this day, the blessing is omitted. Nor is it said (according to Chabad custom) at night after Yom Kippur.

Shacharit (Morning Prayers)^[67]

• If one is still in Pesukei Dezimrah when the congregation reaches the Shema, he should say both the verse of Shema Yisrael and that of Baruch Shem etc. out loud.[68]
• If possible, one should purchase an aliyah for himself on Yom Kippur and/or the mitzvah of opening the ark before reading the Torah. These mitzvot have tremendous segulot associated with them.[69]
• When making a Mi Sheberach and mentioning the names of one’s family members, one should be careful not to take up too much of the community’s time.[70] 

Yizkor

After the reading of the Torah, Yizkor (a memorial prayer) is recited (in Ashkenazi Shuls). Those who have both parents living should go out during Yizkor.

• Mourners during the first year of mourning should stay in Shul but should not actually say Yizkor.[71]
• At this time, it is customary to make a pledge to tzedakah in honor of the souls of those mentioned in Yizkor. This is beneficial for both the living and those who have passed on.
• It is important to pay this commitment in a timely manner.[72]

Musaf

• If praying in a Shul that doesn’t have a carpet, when bowing during Musaf, one should put something (e.g., a towel) down on the floor in order to separate between himself and the floor.[73]
• During Musaf, the blessing of the Kohanim is said. (Sefardim say Birkat Kohanim in Shacharit and Ne’ilah as well.) The Leviyim should wash the Kohanim’s hands up to their wrists. Those Levi’im who have a custom to wash their hands before washing the Kohanim’s hands may also wash their hands up to their wrists.
• It is good to smell Besamim (fragrant-smelling spices) on Yom Kippur and say the appropriate bracha. This is so that the person fulfills his obligation to recite 100 brachot (blessings) a day.[74] 
• The Chabad Rebbes were particular to have at least a small break during the prayers of the day, between Musaf and Mincha.[75]

Mincha (the Afternoon Prayer)

The maftir of Mincha is called Maftir Yonah. It is a very significant haftorah,[76] and it is customary to buy it for a high price.

Nei’la (the Final Prayer) and Ending the Fast^[77]

At the conclusion of Nei’la, we say Aveenu Malkeinu. Following this, we recite Shema Yisrael - once, Baruch Shem - 3 times, and Hashem Hu Ha-Elokim - 7 times. The Chazzan then says Kaddish. In the middle of the Kaddish the Shofar is sounded.
The fast continues until 7:35 pm (Miami time); therefore one may not yet eat, drink, or do work, etc. until that time.

• One must hear havdalah before eating.
•  Before the sounding of the Shofar, it is the Chabad custom to sing and dance a victory march to show our confidence that Hashem has accepted our prayers.
•  One should pray Maariv with both a Tallit and a Kittel. (Men who usually wear a hat during the maariv prayer should do so.) Women who do not pray maariv should say Boruch Hamavdil Bain Kodesh L’chol before doing any work.
• Before Havdala, one should fully wash their hands for “Negel Vasser” (i.e., as one does in the morning). However, one should not say a Bracha. It is also proper to rinse out one’s mouth.
• It is proper to do Kiddush Levana (Sanctification of the New Moon) on this night.
• It is best if one puts on his regular shoes, hears havdalah and eats something before reciting Kiddush Levana. But one should not miss doing Kiddush Levana with a minyan for this stringency.[78]

Motzai Yom Kippur
Saturday night Sep. 8^th – 11^th of Tishrei

Havdalah
The candle used for Havdalah should be one that was lit before Yom Kippur. This is to emphasize that we were not permitted to use that fire over Yom Kippur but may use it now.

• It is best to use a candle that was kindled for this purpose i.e. an extra Yahrtzeit (24 hour) candle. Alternately, one can use a Yahrtzeit candle (that was kindled in memory of someone) together with a new candle that one kindles from it.
• If one does not have such a candle, they may light a “new fire” and say the bracha on it. (Please note: This is only true on Motzai Yom Kippur which is also Motzai Shabbat. If it would be on a different night of the week, one would not recite this blessing.

• After Yom Kippur one should wish his fellow a “good Yom Tov / Chag Same’ach”. This is because the night after Yom Kippur is considered a (mini) Yom Tov. For this reason we have a festive meal (with a tablecloth, candles, challah etc. etc.) after Yom Kippur. (See Likutei Sichot vol. 32, pg. 106 not 9 that this meal can be related to the feast the Kohen Gadol would make upon safely completing the service of Yom Kippur.)
• It is commendable to begin building the Sukkah at this time. If this is not possible, one should at least talk about building the Sukkah. If possible, one should complete the building of the Sukkah on the next day.

Motzai Yom Kippur At A Glance

• Maariv
• Negel Vasser and mouth rinse
• Kiddush Levana (Best done after Havdalah and eating if a minyan will be available)
• Havdala (on a pre-existing flame)
• Yom Tov style meal
• Sukkah building (or talking)

Hashem’s Name
Tuesday Sep. 9^th – 11^th of Tishrei  
It is proper to wake up early for davening on the day after Yom Kippur. This is so that the Satan should not accuse us of being lazy with Mitzvot. This day is known as “Hashem’s Name.”

Yom Kippur Times At A Glance

Miami

Candlelighting time:   6:44 p.m.

Dawn:                          6:08 a.m.

Fast ends:                    7:35 p.m.

New York

Candlelighting time:   6:11 p.m.

Dawn:                          5:38 a.m.

Fast ends:                    7:08 p.m.

Los Angeles

Candlelighting time:   6:12 p.m.

Dawn:                          5:39 a.m.

Fast ends:                    7:06 p.m.

Jerusalem, Israel

Candlelighting time:   4:38 p.m.

Dawn:                          4:26 a.m.

Fast ends:                    5:53 p.m.

Melbourne, Australia

Candlelighting time:   7:11 p.m.

Dawn:                          5:26 a.m.

Fast ends:                    8:02 p.m.

 

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[1] Mateh Efrayim, 603, 5

[2] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 645

[3] From the third day of Sukkot and on, a lulav that has a split top leaf is kosher.

[4] Ibid, 648

[5] Ibid 646

[6] This is the minimum length of a hadas according to Rav Avraham Chayim Na’eh. According to the Chazon Ish, three handbreadths is 11.5 inches.

[7] Ibid, 647

[8] Mateh Efrayim, ibid Since women usually pray while lighting the candles and these candles are lit by men, it was customary for women to pray while making these candles (Elef Lamateh, 603, 2). See Sefer HaSichot 5705, page 14 that the Chabad Rebbes would take part in the making of these candles.

[9] See Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Mateh Efrayim Siman 605

[10] Ibid, 2

[11] Ibid

[12] Elef HaMagen, 11 the Gematriah of Kesef (money) when the letters are spelled out (chaf peh, samech mem peh, and peh hei) is the same as Kaparah (atonement) - 305.

[13] Otzar Minhagei Chabad, page 177

[14] Mateh Efrayim, 607, 1

[15] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 604, 4

[16] Yalkut Yosef, Laws of Erev Yom Kippur, 3

[17] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 604

[18] Ibid, 604, 7

[19] Yalkut Yosef, ibid

[20] Sefer HaSichot, 5702, page 88

[21] Elef HaMagen, 604, 38

[22] Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad, Erev Yom Kipur

[23] Ibid

[24] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 605, 5

[25] Ibid, 606

[26] Levit. 16, 30

[27] Yalkut Yosef, Laws of Piyus on Erev Yom Kippur, 8

[28] Mateh Efrayim, 606, 4

[29] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 604 & 608

[30] Elef Lamateh 604, 42

[31] Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad

[32] Mateh Efrayim, 604, 18

[33] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 608

[34] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 606

[35] Ibid 607

[36] Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad

[37] Mateh Efrayim, 607, 7

[38] Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad

[39] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 607, 12

[40] Psalm 78,  38

[41] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 607

[42] Yalkut Yosef, Laws of Erev Yom Kippur, 4

[43] Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Mateh Efrayim, 608

[44] Ibid 610

[45] Ketzeh HaMateh 603, 14

[46] See Mateh Efrayim, 603, 8 that one candle is sufficient in memory of both of ones parents.

[47] Gen. 27, 34 Elef Lamateh, 619, 4

[48] Mateh Efrayim, 619, 2. See Elef HaMateh, 7 for a beautiful text for this bracha.

[49] Mateh Efrayim, ibid

[50] Yalkut Yosef, Laws of Erev Yom Kippur, 5

[51] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 612, 616, 617 and 618

[52] Gen. 9, 5 Mateh Efrayim, 618, 15

[53] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 614

[54] This is the Chabad custom. Some are strict in this regard.

[55] Mateh Efrayim, 614, 4

[56] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 613

[57] Mateh Efrayim, 613, 5

[58] This includes Tevilat Ezra.

[59] Ibid, 19

[60] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 614

[61] Ibid 616

[62] Ibid 619

[63] Elef LaMateh, 610, 13

[64] Mateh Efrayim, 619, 7

[65] Sidur HaRav

[66] Mateh Efrayim, 613, 3

[67] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 621

[68] Mateh Efrayim, 619, 40

[69] Elef Hamagen, ibid, 50

[70] Mateh Efrayim, 619, 53

[71] See Magen Ha’Elef 621, 3 who suggests that the reason for this is that those who are in their first year of mourning may cry excessively and thus disturb the prayers of the others.

[72] Ibid

[73] Mateh Efrayim, 621, 14

[74] Even if one listens to the brachot on every Aliyah and Haftorah and says amen, he will still not reach the number of 100. He should therefore smell fragrant spices. One may only say an additional bracha on the spices if he left the room or otherwise interrupted since the previous bracha (Mishna Berurah 46, 14).

[75] Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad. The reason for this may be that if one davens Mincha and Musaf consecutively and begins after the seventh hour of the day, some say they must daven Mincha first. If they are not davening consecutively they may certainly daven Musaf first. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 286, 5

[76] See Zechta DeAvraham, Derush 7 for Shabbat Teshuvah

[77] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 623

[78] Mateh Efrayim, 624, 4