Yom Kippur, 1993

My heartfelt greetings to all who are observing Yom Kippur this year.

While virtually all religions maintain some means by which an individual can seek forgiveness for sins, Judaism distinguishes itself through the celebration of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This holy day gives people a chance to make amends for their transgressions and to enter the next year with a clean conscience and a clear purpose.

The Bible teaches us that true repentance comes only from a change of heart that affects our relationships with our families and friends. Yom Kippur is a chance to seek pardon from those whom we have wronged and to ask divine guidance for selfimprovement.

Yom Kippur is also significant because it gives people a chance to honor the memories of loved ones no longer living, but still remembered. Above all, Yom Kippur recognizes the need to repair personal relationships -- relationships with friends and family, with God, and with those who live on in our memories.

This day, with its ritual of the fast, reminds all of us to reflect on the many ways we can improve ourselves and our relationships with others. My thoughts are with you as you observe this most solemn day.

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