YOM KIPPUR BEGINS TODAY AT SUNDOWN.Byline: Holly J. Andres Staff Writer Fasting, confessing sins and asking forgiveness from God are ways that Jews will observe Yom Kippur Yom Kippur [Heb.,=day of atonement], in Judaism, the most sacred holy day, falling on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishri (usually late September or early October). It is a day of fasting and prayer for forgiveness for sins committed during the year. , the Day of Atonement Day of Atonement n. See Yom Kippur. [Translation of Hebrew yôm kippûr.] Day of Atonement Noun same as Yom Kippur Noun 1. , that begins at sundown today. ``The holiest day of the week is the Sabbath, and Yom Kippur is known as the 'Sabbath of Sabbaths,''' said Rabbi Aaron Benson of Congregation Beth Meier in Studio City. ``Through prayer and fasting, we are able to concentrate on what we should be doing all year long - making atonement atonement, the reconciliation, or "at-one-ment," of sinful humanity with God. In Judaism both the Bible and rabbinical thought reflect the belief that God's chosen people must be pure to remain in communion with God. for our misdeeds to other people and to God.'' The Day of Repentance, another name for the holiday, is the culmination of 10 days of personal introspection introspection /in·tro·spec·tion/ (in?trah-spek´shun) contemplation or observation of one's own thoughts and feelings; self-analysis.introspec´tive in·tro·spec·tion n. that began with Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year. Sometimes called the Day of Judgment, Rosh Hashanah falls on Tishri 1 (in September or October) and ushers in a 10-day period of self-examination and penitence that ends with Yom Kippur. , the Jewish New Year. During that time, observant ob·ser·vant adj. 1. Quick to perceive or apprehend; alert: an observant traveler. See Synonyms at careful. 2. Jews review their actions over the past year, seek forgiveness from those they have wronged and resolve to act with more understanding and kindness in the new year. ``The word 'sin' in Hebrew means 'missing the mark.' You can fast all you want, but if you don't change (for the better), it means diddly- squat,'' said Rabbi Sally Olins from Temple B'nai Hayim in Sherman Oaks. ``You can go back and try to hit the mark. We think, 'I have the ability to change. I can be better than I was last year.''' Everyone wears white, symbolizing purity and joy, at Yom Kippur services at Temple B'nai Hayim, said Olins. It is also customary not to wear leather shoes, in empathy with animals, and to refrain from wearing perfume or makeup. At this evening's service, called Kol Nidre Kol Nidre: see Yom Kippur. Kol Nidre Prayer sung in Jewish synagogues at the start of services on the eve of Yom Kippur. The prayer begins with an expression of repentance for all unfulfilled vows, oaths, and promises to God during the previous year. , meaning ``all vows,'' Olins said she will be emphasizing that, despite worldwide natural disasters and other worrying news, God is in the world. ``What made so many people run to New Orleans New Orleans (ôr`lēənz –lənz, ôrlēnz`), city (2006 pop. 187,525), coextensive with Orleans parish, SE La., between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, 107 mi (172 km) by water from the river mouth; founded to help or people to give money?'' Olins said. ``There is a God. We have the spark of God in us. We find out and love God through outreach.'' Emphasizing the positive actions that individuals are taking to help others in the community is what Benson is planning for his Yom Kippur message to his Conservative congregation. ``Yom Kippur puts us into a frame of mind to be more careful of what we say and do,'' Benson said. ``God has given us our free will and the opportunity all year to change, but instead of putting it off and putting it off, we have a powerful tool during these 10 days to improve. The 'gates of repentance' are always open.'' Yizkor, a memorial service, is considered a big part of people's observance on Yom Kippur. ``What Yom Kippur says to people is that Judaism is a livable, realistic religion. I love the concept of change,'' said Olins. ``We don't just say things, we do things. We are a religion of action.'' Holly Andres, (818) 713-3708 holly.andres(at)dailynews.com |
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