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Tomorrow night marks the beginning of the holiest of Jewish holidays, #YomKippur with the service known as Kol Nidre. I thought I& #39;d do a little thread on the tradition that dates back to around 1,000-1,400 years ago (and my personal favourite). 1/
Kol Nidre is the first hymn sung when the sun goes down on erev (evening before) Yom Kippur. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully and emotionally-charged composed prayers in Judaism... but it isn& #39;t exactly a prayer. 2/
It is actually a legal vow (a bit boring, I know) that proactively annuls any oaths taken over the coming year that would compromise one& #39;s relationship with God (I know, confusing). It& #39;s like saying "Over the course of the next year I might say things that aren& #39;t great, but... 3/
...I don& #39;t hold myself to it because I made this vow". It is thought that it originates from a time when Jews were put through forced conversions to Christianity, so Kol Nidre would spiritually annul those conversions. 4/
None of this is known for sure though... and there have been CENTURIES of disagreement and heated debate in Jewish communities about the merits and history of Kol Nidre. 5/
Regardless of its history and controversy, the singing of Kol Nidre is an incredibly emotional moment and something that brings me chills every year I hear it. 6/
It& #39;s an awesome few moments of introspection and perfectly sums up the Jewish peoples& #39; long (long) history of persecution and heartache. Regardless of whether one fasts, goes to shul or just spends their #YomKippur with their own thoughts, Kol Nidre is well worth a listen. (end)
For more great tweeting on #YomKippur and new takes on old traditions, follow @TheRaDR for some great content 
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