This Hidden Word for Yom Kippur Greeting Will Stop You From Looking Away

Sun, 10 May 2026 12:12:25 +0000

The Hidden Word for Yom Kippur Greeting: A Powerful Instinct to Turn Away from Distractions Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time for deep reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. As families gather, hearts turn toward introspection and meaningful connection—not external distractions. But in today’s hyper-connected world, breaking focus during this sacred moment can be easier than we realize. One of the most profound yet overlooked tools to help maintain reverence during Yom Kippur is a hidden word embedded in the traditional greeting: “Shlichtus” (שליאנטוס), or more subtly, the intention to “Turn Away.” This simple, quiet command—“Turn away”—is far more than a phrase. It serves as an internal signal, gently recreating a spiritual safeguard against the noise of daily life. While Yom Kippur prayers and reflections call us inward, modern distractions—phones, social media, even overflowing conversations—can pull us outward, fragmenting our focus and weakening the day’s impact.