This year, we experienced a rare and significant occurrence—Yom Kippur falling on Shabbat. This sacred combination is referred to as Shabbat Shabbaton, meaning "The Sabbath of all Sabbaths," or Shabbat Teshuvah, "The Shabbat of Repentance." While both Yom Kippur and Shabbat are holy days on their own, the convergence of these two moments creates an extraordinary spiritual experience that is unlike any other.

Only two types of days in the entire year are given the special title Shabbat Shabbaton—Yom Kippur and the weekly Shabbat. This designation makes them distinct from other holidays, which are simply called Shabbaton. The phrase "Shabbat Shabbaton" literally translates to "Sabbath of Sabbaths." It appears in the Torah to signify days that hold a unique and elevated sanctity compared to regular Sabbaths and holidays. For instance, in Exodus 31:15 and Leviticus 23:3, the term emphasizes the holiness of the Sabbath, indicating that it is not just a regular day of rest but a day set apart for spiritual renewal and connection with God.

In connection with Yom Kippur, the phrase is used in Leviticus 16:31 and 23:32, where Yom Kippur is described as a day of atonement and rest. This title signifies that Yom Kippur embodies the ultimate spiritual rest, akin to the Sabbath, and underscores the day's profound sanctity as it involves deep personal reflection and atonement. Interestingly, the Sabbatical year is also described using this term in Leviticus 25:4, highlighting its significance as a period of complete cessation from agricultural work, allowing the land to rest and rejuvenate. The use of "Shabbat Shabbaton" thus encapsulates the idea of ultimate sanctity and rest, distinguishing these days from ordinary Sabbaths and holidays. But what does Shabbat Shabbaton really mean?

Medieval and modern commentaries with English translations offer various interpretations of this term. One key question scholars ask is: Does Shabbaton in this phrase act as a noun on its own, or does it serve as an adjective to modify Shabbat? Another debated issue is whether Shabbaton intensifies, maintains, or diminishes the holiness of the day it describes. The answers to these questions vary across interpretations, but one thing is clear: the title Shabbat Shabbaton indicates an elevated level of sanctity that sets these days apart from others.

When Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, it creates a double layer of holiness. Yom Kippur is already a day of deep reflection and repentance, where we seek to atone for our sins and renew our connection with God. Shabbat, meanwhile, is the holiest day of the week, a time of peace, rest, and spiritual renewal. The two together become a moment of profound spiritual intensity.

One story that my Rabbi, Steven Stark-Lowenstein, shared with me this past week illustrates the special nature of Yom Kippur on Shabbat. The story comes from Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev, and as the story goes, he is known for his optimism and love for the Jewish people. Whenever Yom Kippur fell on Shabbat, Rabbi Levi Yitzhak would be unusually calm, unlike the anxiety many felt on the Day of Atonement. When asked why, he explained, “We all know that writing is forbidden on Shabbat. That means that God won’t be able to write our names in the Book of Death today, only the Book of Life. Today is the most hopeful day I can imagine.”

Rabbi Levi Yitzhak’s perspective offers a profound and hopeful message. He saw the convergence of Yom Kippur and Shabbat as an opportunity to approach this solemn day with a sense of peace and optimism rather than fear or anxiety. Shabbat’s prohibition against work, including writing, suggested to him that on this day, God could only write names in the Book of Life, not the Book of Death. In his eyes, Yom Kippur on Shabbat was the most hopeful day imaginable—a time to focus on life, renewal, and the possibility of forgiveness.

The overlap of Yom Kippur and Shabbat encourages us to approach our atonement with both reverence and joy. While we reflect on our shortcomings and ask for forgiveness, Shabbat reminds us that we must also embrace peace and hope. It teaches us that even in the midst of repentance, there is room for joy and optimism. Shabbat’s essence of rest and tranquility allows us to let go of fear and focus on the opportunity for renewal that Yom Kippur provides.

As BBYO members and young Jewish leaders, this message is especially important. Yom Kippur on Shabbat invites us to view our personal growth and the improvement of our communities with a hopeful mindset. Rabbi Levi Yitzhak’s message encourages us to see the best in ourselves and others, to believe in the power of positive change, and to carry that sense of hope with us as we work to build a better future.

The Torah’s use of Shabbat Shabbaton for both Yom Kippur and Shabbat signals the extraordinary sanctity and importance of these days. Together, they create a sacred moment where we can pause, reflect, and approach the coming year with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

G’mar Chatima Tova!