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.
Locally there are a few Jewish temples where you can celebrate Yom Kippur:
- Oseh Shalom, 7515 Olive Branch Way in Laurel
- Kol Nidre will be on Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
- Yom Kippur services on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.
- Mishkan Torah Synagogue, 10 Ridge Road in Greenbelt
- Kol Nidre will be on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
- Yom Kippur services will be held Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.
- Temple Solel, 2901 Mitchellville Road in Bowie
- Although the temple will host celebrations both Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, attendees must have a ticket.
- Beth Torah Congregation, 6700 Adelphi Road in Hyattsville
- Kol Nidre will be on Sept. 25 at 6:45 p.m.
- Yom Kippur services on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.
- Yom Kippur Mincha on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
- Yom Kippur Ne'ila on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Yom Kuppur Shofar on Sept. 26 at 7:30 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.
