At the School District of Lancaster, we strive to create a community where every student, family, and staff member feels seen, valued, and respected. Part of that work is recognizing the cultural and religious traditions that help shape our collective identity. By honoring these moments, we affirm the diversity that makes our district strong.
This year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be observed from sunset on October 1 to nightfall on October 2, 2025. Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, concluding the ten-day period known as the High Holy Days or the Days of Awe. This sacred time begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and culminates with Yom Kippur, a day set aside for fasting, prayer, and repentance.
The history of Yom Kippur stretches back thousands of years. In the Hebrew Bible, it is described as a day for atonement and purification, a time when individuals and communities pause to seek forgiveness and repair their relationship with God and with one another. Over generations, the observance has grown into a deeply personal and communal experience, centered on reflection, renewal, and reconciliation.
For 25 hours, families and individuals refrain from food and drink, gathering in prayer services that emphasize themes of honesty, humility, and hope for the year ahead.
For many in our community, the lessons of Yom Kippur reach beyond faith practice. The act of looking inward, acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and committing to growth reflects values that resonate with us all. They are the same values we hope to cultivate in our schools such as accountability, compassion, and empathy.
At SDoL, we understand that honoring traditions like Yom Kippur is more than an acknowledgment of difference, it is an opportunity to teach our students about the richness of human experience. It is a reminder that our classrooms are filled with many stories and heritages, each one adding to the shared strength of our district. When students see their traditions respected and celebrated, they know they belong. When peers learn about practices different from their own, they gain understanding and respect that extend far beyond school walls.
As Yom Kippur approaches, we encourage our community to reflect on the values that guide us. Just as the holiday calls for reconciliation and renewal, our work at SDoL calls us to extend grace, build bridges, and nurture the bonds that unite us.
To all who are observing, we wish you a meaningful and peaceful Yom Kippur. May this time of reflection bring clarity, healing, and strength for the year ahead. G’mar chatima tovah.