Dreading Yom Kippur? Let’s Fix That.

Why does Yom Kippur ask us to fear Hashem and confess our mistakes again and again? Fear usually makes us want to keep our distance from someone. How could it possibly bring us closer to Hashem, and why would saying vidui over and over make Yom Kippur a day of joy?Starting with a hilarious exchange between an Israeli army commander and an older recruit, we’ll explore a puzzling verse at Har Sinai: Moshe tells the Jewish people, “Don’t be afraid,” and then says Hashem came so they would fear Him. The answer offers a surprising way to understand yiras Shamayim, our relationship with Hashem, and the gift of Yom Kippur. If you’ve ever dreaded this day, this shiur may leave you longing for it instead.