Temple Judea of Bucks County Observes Yom Kippur 2012

Yom Kippur is 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 fast solemnly 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. Observation of Yom Kippur began at sunset on Tuesday.

Central Bucks schools are closed Wednesday in honor of the holiday, and Temple Judea of Bucks County has a full day of services planned.

The Temple Judea of Bucks County schedule for Yom Kippur:

• Very Young Children’s Service at 8:30 a.m. at Temple Judea 
• Family Service at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran 
• Adult Service at 11:45 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran 
• Text Study and Discussion - 2:30 p.m. at Temple Judea 
• Afternoon Service at 3:30 p.m.  at Temple Judea 
• Yizkor/Neilah Service at 5:00 p.m. followed by  
• Break Fast at Temple Judea

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. A few staples usually make their way onto most tables, including honey cake or noodle kugel.