In a time of global tumult, Jews worldwide mark the holiest day of the Hebrew calendar.
In the Torah, the Book of
Leviticus commands that the 10th day of the 7th month called
Tishrei be set aside as the "Sabbath of Sabbaths," a day of fasting and reflection for the atonement of sins.
Jews here and around the world will observe this ancient tradition beginning Tuesday with the arrival of
Yom Kippur, the
"Day of Atonement," the most solemn occasion of the Hebrew calendar.
Before sunset, the day is marked by acts of charity and pleas for
forgiveness. Two special meals also precede a 25-hour fast; synagogue
attendance typically surges for the solemn rituals, where hours are
spent in reflection and special prayers. Work on this day is forbidden.
The day's ultimate purpose is to seek redemption in the eyes of G-d.
As it has throughout the millennia, Yom Kippur arrives in yet another
trying period for the Jewish people. Israel is threatened from within
and without as its neighboring nations
endure riots in the streets.
The leader of one such neighbor
ranted at the United Nations this week; Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's anti-Semitic, anti-American vitriol was countered on Monday by
loud protests in Manhattan.
The looming threat of terrorism has caused Nassau County and federal authorities to
increase patrols around synagogues
during the High Holy Days. Many synagogues are requiring photo
identification for admission and have quietly increased their own
security efforts, experts said.
Yom Kippur completes the annual period known as the
High Holy Days or Yamim Nora'im ("Days of Awe") which began with
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Many area synagogues conduct open services on Wednesday; see our
events calendar for some of these.
Jewish teachings hold that G-d inscribes a person's fate for the coming year into the "
Book of Life" on
Rosh Hashanah and waits until Yom Kippur to "seal" the verdict. Between
the two High Holy Days, Jews attempt to amend their behavior and seek
forgiveness for wrongs done to G-d and their fellow man, Jewish scholars
say.
Like most districts on Long Island, Long Beach public schools are closed on Wednesday.
Editor's Note: The spelling of
"G-d" is intentional in this story in respect of a Jewish tradition. See the link for details.
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