In Australian Jewish News Natalie discovers that the holiest day in the Jewish calendar is taking place despite COVID. The Essence of Yom Kippur describes the rituals which begin on the night of September 15th and end the following evening on the 16
th
. Despite central themes of atonement and the purification of sin, it is also a time to celebrate the joy and liberation of spiritual cleansing. During this time followers of the Jewish faith abstain from food and drink, avoid washing or applying lotions and creams, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations. Instead, they spend the day in synagogue, praying for forgiveness.
Natalie also reads a story about Australian Surf Life Saving in Israel, an organisation launched at Bondi Beach in 2016 which not only brings a little bit of the heart of Australian culture to Israel, but offers invaluable skills to children so they can look after themselves in the water, and potentially save other lives.
In other news from the Parish Pump, Natalie reads about Moore College in the Anglican Southern Cross, a new initiative for the homeless in the Catholic Weekly, facing change without fear in The Lutheran, and A Compassionate Collaboration in Ultimo in the Uniting Church’s Insights magazine.
Parish Pump goes to air on the 19 September at 4pm