Yom Kippur is one of the most important holidays of the Jewish People. It is the longest prayer day of any Jewish holiday. This holiday comes 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. Judaism follows a lunar calendar and therefore the English date varies from year to year. The 10 days between Rosh hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Repentance. Jewish people are told to ask forgiveness from anyone they may have offended and therefore start the New Year with a clean record.

Yom Kippur means Day of Atonement. It is a time to bring reconciliation between individuals and between individuals and God. Every Jewish person is striving to be inscribed into the book of life. This is done through prayer, giving of charity, and fasting.   All Jews observe it religious and secular. At this time many synagogues and temples are booming with very large attendance. In many cases tickets or seats must be purchased to attend the services. However no person will be turned away because of an inability to pay or not knowing to purchase a seat.

There are many laws concerning Yom Kippur. Most notably is having an early feast following the afternoon prayers before Yom Kippur begins.  This meal usually has very few spices or salt which could make one thirsty. Some meals consist of vegetable soup, roast chicken, potatoes, vegetable, salad with a sweet dressing so that you will have a sweet year, fruit compote and honey cake, again so that you will have a sweet year. Once the holiday begins, 20 minutes before sundown other laws are followed such as; no eating or drinking, no wearing of leather shoes, no washing or bathing, no perfumes or lotions and no marital relations. This fast lasts for 25 hours. Children that are 9 years old begin eating less during this time but are not permitted to fast. Girls 12, boys 13 and all other adults are required to fast the entire 25 hours. There are exceptions to the fast such as a pregnant woman, one who has just given birth and other medical conditions that would be harmful to one's life. Judaism always values life before observance.  The meal after the Yom Kippur holiday is known as Break the Fast. Many families and friends join together for this meal and enjoy dairy foods. Some of these dishes may include, blintzes, kugels, smoke fish, bagels, cakes, juices, and coffee.  Everyone enjoys this meal with families and friends and continues to wish one another a sweet, happy and healthy new year.

The observance of Yom Kippur is one holiday that most all Jews practice. In some areas of the country where there is a large Jewish population of children who attend public school, the school closes for this holiday.   Even if there is not a high Jewish student population, students will miss school and be allowed to make up any work without penalty. Additionally many Jewish workers will use accrued time off or even be docked from their salary in order to observe this holiday. In Israel everything is closed on Yom Kippur. This includes, radio, TV, Public Transit, airports, schools, and stores. There was a time in 1973 the air raids sounded. It was the afternoon of Yom Kippur.  There was a surprise attack on Israel by Egypt and Syria.
Yom Kippur is one of the holiest and important holidays to Jewish people everywhere. It is important to renew yourself with G-d and people. It is the longest synagogue service of all services. This will be a time for you and your family to renew your faith in God and his commandments.