Yom Kippur: Traditions and Foods
Yom Kippur is a somber holiday in the Jewish religion. The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement,” and on this day, we atone for the sins we’ve made over this past year. We ask for forgiveness and ask to be inscribed in the book of life for the year to come. During this time, much of our day is spent in synagogue alongside our fellow Jewish congregants. The observers are afflicting their soul, all while we fast — that’s right; nothing is to pass through the lips and the mouth from sundown the night before until the sundown the following day. Unless medically necessary, we don’t even drink water during this time.
It is seen as a Mitzvah to eat and drink well on Erev Yom Kippur (the evening prior to the fast) and for breaking of the fast. The reason we fast is to show that our minds are stronger than our bodies; it’s important to focus on things that are greater than our temporary discomfort.
Prior to the fast, most meals should be prepared with minimum salt to avoid dehydration. It is customary to eat at earlier times than we would on a typical day. It is also important to begin hydrating ourselves well a few days prior. Here’s an idea of what you will see for typical meals, with most families having their fish in the morning or afternoon times.
Traditional Yom Kippur Foods
Rice. I like to keep it simple here. I put some rice in my rice cooker with water. Most days, I like to use some broth and half water but prior to our fast, it’s important to cut out the salt where we can. Once it’s cooked, I add some parsley and mix it all together. A pinch or two of salt won’t hurt and may add some flavor if you chose to eat it plain. If you’re serving it alongside your fish, there’s no need. It will pick up that flavor!
Kreplach. These outstanding meat-filled dumplings are often served with chicken soup. I love filling the freezer with a batch of this for those cold winter nights. Go ahead, make some extra!
Challah (dipped in honey, leftover from Rosh Hashanah which occurred 10 days prior). There are SO many recipes for challah. No matter who you ask, their mom or bubbe makes the best one! I love a sweet challah and tend to sprinkle some brown sugar over mine prior to baking. It creates a nice sweet glaze over the egg wash. To cut down on time prior to the holiday, you can bake this ahead of time, allow it to cool down COMPLETELY then wrap it well and freeze. It defrosts pretty quickly; if you’re serving it for dinner, take it out that morning.
Fish. This Cedar Planked Salmon with Strawberry Chili Salsa is sure to please your crowd. It is a great combination and light prior to a fast, however, I recommend it for anytime!
Chicken. I love spices, and so does my husband. We really enjoy different flavors and experimenting. A good Israeli dish warms our hearts, and stomachs! I have this Chicken, Farro, Carrot and Turmeric Stew on my list to try for this upcoming holiday. The blend of flavors sound so warm and inspiring.
Breaking the Fast
Breaking of the fast is rather easy, even on the preparation end. Since Yom Kippur is a fasting holiday, Jewish law prohibits any work on this day. Therefore, cooking is not allowed. So, we cook things ahead of time that can be reheated easily, but we also chose foods that are easier on the stomach and lighter since we’ve been fasting all day. The menu is a piece of cake!
Typically, I serve a lox, bagel and tuna salad tray accompanied with a spring salad mix. There are a few things I make ahead of time, too.
Egg Casserole. I love throwing whatever vegetables I have on hand in a pan, sautéing them and turning it into an egg casserole. It’s an easy winner! This recipe pretty much mimics what I do. I leave out the dairy for mine, and that’s the great thing about these casseroles. You can really cater it to your dietary needs!
Kugel. This is a sweet noodle dish — think lasagna without meat and sauce, instead add sugar, cream cheese and cottage cheese! Since I am sworn into secrecy to never share my Mom’s recipe, I looked up a few on Pinterest for you. There are so many! I do love to serve mine as a sweeter, dessert-style kugel so I chose this one for you. If it sounds too sweet, leave off the toppings … but really, graham crackers and melted butter? Why would you?
I’d love to see what traditional recipes your family shares during Yom Kippur. Comment below and I’ll give it a try! —Jennifer