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In Temple times, when the High Priest’s Yom Kippur service in the Holy of Holies was over, young people would make efforts to find their spouse. There is a profound connection between the holiness of marriage and the Holy of Holies (19:2 above). Our Sages state that the Divine Presence is with a husband and wife who live together lovingly and loyally, for their loyalty and love reflect the unity of God. Unfortunately, since the Temple’s destruction, heaven and earth have become more distant from one another. If singles today devoted Yom Kippur afternoon to meeting each other, it would likely diminish the holy atmosphere of the day. Instead, all singles should take this opportunity to pray for a good match, and for the ability to purify themselves and rid themselves of any negative character traits that might be impeding their marriage quest.
Married couples should also repent on Yom Kippur for not loving their spouses enough and not bringing them enough joy. This does not contradict what we said above (section 13) about a couple following the nidda restrictions on Yom Kippur. Doing so will allow them to share more love and happiness during the rest of the year.
