אָשַׁמְנוּ.
Reflect
What recent action or inaction is important for me to own?
Look forward
What can I repair, return, or begin to rebuild now?
Preparing for Yom Kippur
Preparing for Yom Kippur can begin with one question. Choose words you want to stay with. There is no need to finish everything in one sitting or write an answer.
How to use this practice
- Read the prayer words and translation separately from the question.
- Pause with a question that speaks to you now.
- Consider one possible next step. Continue at your own pace.
Questions for reflection
בָּגַדְנוּ.
Reflect
Whose trust or kindness have I recently taken for granted?
Look forward
How can I acknowledge this honestly and take a first step toward rebuilding trust?
גָּזַלְנוּ.
Reflect
What have I taken or withheld even though it rightfully belonged to someone else?
Look forward
What can I return, pay, acknowledge, or make up for first?
This reading edition includes an opening, Ashamnu, closing passages and two Al Chet excerpts. It is not the complete Al Chet. The text and translations remain a review edition; the reflective questions are an editorial practice, not a literal translation of the prayer.