Celebrating Yom Kippur 2012

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.

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.

According to the Jewish calendar, the holiday begins at sunset on the previous night. Today, Sept. 25, observing Jews will celebrate Yom Kippur beginning at sunset.

Temple Habonim on New Meadow Road in Barrington will begins the celebration of Yom Kippur with the Kol Nidrei service at 8 pm.

On Wednesday, there will be a Tot worship service at 2:30 pm, an afternoon service and Yizkor at 3:15 pm, and a Break the Fast ceremony at 6 pm.

After the fast, another festive feast, or a yom tov, is customary.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a Jewish month, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

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 -- honey cake, noodle kugel or brisket.