The day after Yom Kippur is the most important day of the year

by Bob Schwartz

Last page of the Yom Kippur prayerbook

Yom Kippur is considered the most important day on the Jewish calendar. Just as Easter is considered the most important day on the Christian calendar. Just as the day you get married, the day your child is born, the day you start your new job, are considered very important days.

But when you look back, for example, on Yom Kippur one year later, you may find that the most important day was the day after. After all that soul-searching, confession, commitment to do and be better, what happened next? More to the point, what did you do next, how were you next?

When you descend from the heights, climb out of the depths, and are back on ordinary ground, once again eating the meals you eat every day, that is when the work begins. That is the most important day of the year.

© 2025 by Bob Schwartz