Given by Zach Smith
                    
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
                    
October 2, 2025
                
In the midst of such a joyful fall holy day season, does it ever feel like the Day of Atonement is a hurdle we just have to surmount before we can really rejoice? Why does God command us to afflict our souls in the midst of such a joy-filled season? Do we just have to get through fasting or can it actually enhance our feasting?