Celebrate Yom Kippur 2012 in Verona, Cedar Grove

Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion. 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 Oct. 8 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, moves on 10 days later to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and then includes Sukkot, the Feast of Booths or Fall Harvest and ends with Simchat Torah, the giving of the Torah, the giving of the Jewish Torah, or laws.

According to the Jewish law, a holiday begins at sunset on the previous night. On Sept. 25, observant Jews will celebrate Yom Kippur at sunset.

Temple Sholom of West Essex, 760 Pompton Ave. in Cedar Grove will be holding services today, Tuesday Sept. 25 at 7:45 p.m. A family service will be held on Wednesday Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. followed by a traditional service at 11:15 a.m. A Minhah service will be held 3 p.m., Yizkor at 4:30 p.m. and a concluding Ne'ilah ceremony will be held at 5 p.m.

Congregation Beth Ahm, located at 56 Grove Ave. in Verona, will hold their services 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 25. Services for Wednesday Sept. 26 will be held at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Jewish month of Tishrei, 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 prayers, an annulment of vows liturgy. Then, for 25+ hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.

After the fast, another festive feast, is customary.

To celebrate 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, noodle kugel or brisket.