Yom Kippur, widely regarded as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is observed just over a week after the Jewish New Year. This significant festival is marked by a day-long fast, during which Jewish people are encouraged to reflect on the preceding year.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, is a time for Jews to reflect on any sins or wrongdoings from the previous year. Many fast and take off work or school during this time. The holiday always follows Rosh Hashana, or the Jewish New Year, and the two observances are known together as the High Holidays.

It's Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. Many will take time to reflect on the past year, asking how they could have done better. And, maybe, how they can put down their lizard.

This comparison is a visual metaphor to help understand the purpose and power of Yom Kippur. While kintsugi deals with physical objects, the principle it illustrates—that brokenness can become a source of beauty and strength rather than shame—applies to the spiritual work of atonement.

The idea of dragging a scaly reptile into holy waters — a ridiculous image paired with a moral imperative — makes one wonder what their lizard might be. And how do you let it go?