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.
Wednesday, services are being held at several local temples and synagogues:
- Temple Sinai on West Hartford Road in Newington will sponsor a family service at 9:15 a.m. Conard High School in West Hartford and a morning service at the school at 11 a.m. It will host a Concluding Service, which includes Yizkor at 3 p.m. at the Temple Sinai.
- Congregation Kol Haverim in Glastonbury is offering a variety of services to mark the high holidays including an alternative and main service, study with Rabbi Marantz and Yizkor. For information and specific times please visit the congregation's website.
- Temple Beth Torah in Wethersfield will celebrate with services at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
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.
