Why Does Yom Kippur Hint at Purim? The Surprising Link

At first glance, Yom Kippur and Purim could not seem more different. One is a day of fasting, reflection, and prayer. The other is a time of laughter, costumes, and feasting. But when you take a step back, you begin to see how these two days create a powerful arc in our spiritual lives.

In our recent Lunch and Learn session of What Would Moses Do?, we explored this connection. The name Yom Kippur can be read as Yom K’Purim, meaning “a day like Purim.” That idea alone changes how we think about these holidays. How can the most serious day of the year be anything like one of the most joyous?

The answer is found in the journey these days create. Yom Kippur asks us to stop, reflect, and make changes. It is a day of honesty, of looking at ourselves with humility and setting new intentions. It is about reaching toward something higher. Then, months later, Purim arrives, almost like a response. If Yom Kippur is about asking how we can do better, Purim is about living that change with joy. It reminds us that life is unpredictable and that faith, humor, and community are what help us move forward.

Both days call us to step beyond ourselves. Yom Kippur strips away distractions and asks us to dig deep. Purim brings us back into the world, celebrating the messy, beautiful, and often unexpected ways that life unfolds. One is serious. The other is playful. But both teach us that we are part of something bigger.

As we get ready for Purim, it is easy to focus on the fun—the costumes, the jokes, the party atmosphere. But there is meaning beneath it all. The story of Purim reminds us of resilience, of standing together, of finding light even in dark times. Just as Yom Kippur challenges us to change, Purim reminds us to embrace life with gratitude and joy.

So as we celebrate, let’s hold onto both the fun and the meaning. Chag Purim Sameach!

And if you found this discussion interesting, come join us for our next Lunch and Learn. There is always more to explore, and we would love to have you in the conversation.