Countywide : Yom Kippur, Judaism’s Holiest Day, Begins at Sundown
Yom Kippur, the holiest and most solemn day on the Jewish religious calendar, begins at sundown tonight and runs through Thursday night.
Jews who observe Yom Kippur spend the “Day of Atonement” fasting, praying and refraining from work.
The holiday marks the end of a 10-day period of repentance, which began last week with Rosh Hashanah, which commemorates the beginning of a new year on the Jewish calendar.
For those who observe the holiday, Yom Kippur is a time to have one’s actions judged by God.
Jews beg God to inscribe them in His “Book of Life” for the coming year.
The high holidays also mark the busiest part of the year for Orange County synagogues.
In the past, some congregations have moved their services into auditoriums and hotel meeting rooms because their temples could not handle the large crowds.
About 70,000 Jews live in Orange County.
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