Yom Kippur checklist

Yom Kippur is quickly approaching – in 2018, it starts Tuesday night (Sept 18-19). But preparations should start before that.

Of course, the biggest preparation is spiritual. We’ve been repenting and working on ourselves, especially these last ten days, but there is always more to do. This post will focus on the other things that need to be done.

Here is my checklist: Yom Kippur Checklist (free download in Word so you can adjust as you like – see the content below)

  • Starting a few days BEFORE the fast, DRINK! Get as fully hydrated as possible.
  • Spiritual preparation: ask forgiveness from those you have wronged, forgiving those who have wronged you, doing teshuva, and giving extra tzedaka
  • Clean/prepare white or light clothing for each family member, including kittel if it’s dh’s tradition to wear it,  white kippot, and tallit
  • Set aside your gold jewelry (we don’t need to remember the golden calf now!), a common tradition
  • Set up any babysitting you will need, or register for that at your shul (here are ideas about what to do at home)
  • Find or buy machzorim for everyone who needs them, and tehillim or other reading material
  • Ask about shiurim or any other shailot you have
  • Yahrzeit candle (if needed)
  • Set up non leather shoes or slippers for each member of the family
  • Set up for kapparot if you do it, whether with chickens, money, or something else
  • If you/dh has the tradition of mikveh erev Yom Kippur, find out times or set up an appointment
  • Prepare three EASY, not spicy, not salty meals: two for pre-fast and one for post-fast (more ideas here)
  • Ask for honey cake (lekach) if it is your tradition to do so
  • Prepare food for kids on Yom Kippur in advance, preferably things they can get themselves or manage with little help from you. (I pack lunches for my kiddos.)
  • Set up your own candles
  • Bless your kids: Regular plus priestly blessing and the wish to be sealed in book of life

May you be signed and sealed in the Book of LIFE!

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