[stradivarius]

Why, on the Eve of the Atonement no less, is there a prayer absolving us from all our promises? Anti-Semites have had a field day with this one, using Kol Nidre as proof positive that Jews are not to be trusted.

Anybody who implies Yom Kippur is a fraudulent "promise release" ceremony is incorrect, unknowledgeable, and possibly worse. The promises, injuries, and debts between people as individuals can't be released without a request and forgiveness.

The promises of men and women with G-d are more serious. Only G-d can forgive a person for sins committed against G-d the last year.

Yom HaKippurim translates from Hebrew Day of the Atonement.

There's a tradition of asking for forgiveness and release from everyone in the community before Yom Kippur, and the prayer of Kol Nidre (every promise) is when the community forgives each other. It earns points with G-d when the community supports each other, and helps with the rest of the Atonement.

The spirit and the mechanics of atonement are described in Leviticus 16:29.

[ancientart]

Anybody who implies Yom Kippur is a fraudulent "promise release" ceremony is incorrect, unknowledgeable, and possibly worse.

Worse is right. A google search for "Kol Nidre Prayer" turns up dozens of anti-semitic sites.