AboutRabbi Yechezkel Fox Expertise My main area of expertise that I can answer questions is on the Chumash, the Five Books of Moses. I am also qualified to answer questions on Jewish Law and Outlook.
Experience I have been teaching Chumash in a Yeshiva for over 15 years. As a practicing Rabbi I have been answering questions on Jewish Law and Outlook for over 10 years.
Publications In the "This Week In The Torah" section on WWW.e-geress.org
Education/Credentials I am an ordained Rabbi and a teacher in a yeshiva
Question Rabbi, we are accustomed to saying that on Yom Kipper we atone for our "sins". Is this the correct English word to describe our transgressions? Is the word used the same way as Christians use it?
Answer Hi Diane,
There are all kinds of different words for sins in Hebrew each one expresses a different meaning. The most common one we use on Yom Kippur is "chatayim" which means accidental sins. In context this means that deep down we never intended to sin. We are definitely supposed to feel regret and want to correct the wrong we have done by not repeating the sin. I have no idea how this compares to the Christian use, that is beyond the scope of my vocation.
All the best,
Rabbi Yechezkel Fox
