Observe Yom Kippur 2012 in Paramus

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.

Rabbi Chaim Shapiro of Congregation K'hal Adath Jeshurun will lead Kol Nidre services at 6:35pm following a candle lighting ceremony at 6:30pm which will mark the beginning of a 25-hour long fast. Shacharis will be held at 7:30am on Wednesday with Yizkor, Mincha and Neila services to be held throughout the day. Fasting ends at 7:36pm.

Rabbi Daniel Wolff at Congregation Beth Tefillah has scheduled services for Tuesday at 6:45pm and starting at 9am on Wednesday. Service will conclude Wednesday 7:36pm with the Havdalah.

Conservative Jews that attend the Jewish Community Center of Paramus begin their High Holy Day services on Tuesday with the Mincha at 6pm and the doors will close for Kol Nidre exactly at 6:15pm. Yom Kippur services will begin at 8:30am with Rabbi Weiner's sermon scheduled for 11:15am. Closing services are expected to begin at 6:15pm. Youth and teens services and babysitting will be held from 11am to 1pm.

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.