Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.
Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On Sept. 25, observation will begin at sunset.
Temple Beth Elohim, on Mount Ebo Road North in Southeast, is slated to host an 8 p.m. service Tuesday, followed by six worship sessions Wednesday. They start at 9:30 a.m. and run intermittently until 3:30 p.m.
The Temple has been posting videos, like this one, on its Facebook page in light of the High Holy Day period.
"Temple Beth Elohim wishes all of our families and friends a New Year filled with good health, happy families, loving friends, prosperity and peace," Temple staff members wrote in this post leading into the High Holy Days.
Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before—once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.
To observe the High Holy Days and holiday period before Kol Nidrei and after the Yom Kippur fast, many Jewish specialties are made. But there are a few staples that usually make their way onto the table. Try a honey cake or noodle kugel.
