Today we will consider the laws regarding the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. What made this day so significant? Why was it so restrictive? What preparations had to be made in order for this day to be properly observed? And do the Jews still offer the animal sacrifices on this day? Interestingly, I found an article in 2017 which reported that there are still orthodox Jews who attempt to bring goats for sacrifice to the Temple Mount on Jerusalem. While animal sacrifices were largely discontinued after the Temple destruction in 70 AD, Yom Kippur is still celebrated but instead of sacrifices, prayers are offered. The article cited the example of the Federman family who for the prior 10 years would load up a male goat in their car and make their way to the Temple mount. “But each year, police prevent the Federmans and others from slaughtering goats on Jerusalem's Temple Mount. They fear such an act on this site, sacred to Jews for once housing the ancient Jewish temples but also home to Islam's third holiest site, could ignite tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.” So beyond this small group, most other Jews celebrate the Day of Atonement, even nominal Jews. Which is like those nominal Christians who show up for Christmas or Easter services. So is the Day of Atonement still relevant for Christians today? Is this something we, the church, ought to observe as well? Let’s find out.