In my heritage, on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement's, the Al Chet (Sins) prayer is in the plural. That is because we take this day as a community to atone for communal sins. Even if we did not commit them, if we were not effective where we could have been to help out those in moments of weakness, it is also to some extent our sin too.

In the Code Book of Jewish Law, (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch), we are prohibited form asking someone who fasts on a non-fast day why. It could be they are atoning for an individual sin. That is between them and G-d directly.

One can atone individually any day of the year. Communally, that takes special days devoted to group repentance.

What does your heritage, religion, culture, philosophy, and personal thoughts on this matter teach us? Please share your ways and ideas.

We are in this life together. Lets work together to improve ourselves, our communities, and thereby leave the world a better place for our being here when the time comes for that.

As ever, remain respectful, on point, positive, or risk post deletion

We take atonement, individual and collective, and working together in harmony seriously in Chaplains Corner.

Peace and Abundant Blessings.