Laura E. Adkins

Yom Kippur teaches us that painful distance from God — or divine connection — comes through our actions toward others.

It teaches that healing and connection are possible only when we are brave enough to take responsibility for the consequences of our choices, big and small.

Many individuals today identify as religious people yet ignore the consequences of their actions on others and society.

Yom Kippur reminds us that those who act without care for others, particularly the vulnerable, are denounced by the religious texts they purport to live by.

"Is such the fast I desire, a day for people to starve their bodies?" We read from the Book of Isaiah on Yom Kippur.

"No, unlock fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of the yoke to let the oppressed go free...then shall your light burst through like the dawn."

There are two general categories of obligations in Jewish law — one is between yourself and other human beings, and one is between yourself and the divine.

Only through deep investment in our personal relationships can we fully access what our tradition considers divine.

Jewish tradition also makes clear that one is not able to get right with, and thus close to, the divine on Yom Kippur (or in general) unless and until an earnest attempt has been made to seek forgiveness from one's fellow humans that one has wronged.

Many of my favorite songs in the Yom Kippur liturgy describe the numerous ways in which God and the Jewish collective relate to one another, each of the many analogies attempting to describe a unique aspect of that deep and nuanced relationship.

Contrary to popular belief, Yom Kippur is described in the Talmud as one of the most joyous occasions on the Jewish calendar.

The Day of Atonement isn't about being somber. It's about achieving closeness through acknowledging both one's shortcomings and desire for connection.

Some professional news:

I'm thrilled to share that today is my first day as director of content and editorial strategy for ADL's Center on Extremism. I'm honored to join the team and organization.