Yom Kippur, Holiest Day On Jewish Calendar, Begins

One of the holiest days, oldest traditions, and joyous times in Judaism begins Friday at sundown. Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement, is a serious day, but it should not be a somber one for followers of the Jewish faith, said Rabbi Scott Perlo, associate director of Jewish programming at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. “The Talmud says there are no more joyous days than Yom Kippur,” he said. “That joy, the joy that comes with forgiveness, reconciliation.” Rabbi Perlo said Yom Kippur is about separating the two drives within every human being.

“There’s a drive to do good, and a drive to not do good,” he said. “Both are necessary, both make us who we are. Yom Kippur is about separating them back out again and letting the drive for good win. It’s asking forgiveness for the time when the drive to do bad has overtaken us.” The Jewish new year — which is now 5775 — began last week. Yom Kippur is begins Friday night just before sundown and ends when the stars come out Saturday. During the services there will be the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, which Rabbi Dorsch said serves as a wake-up call. “It’s one thing to be sorry, it’s another thing to be sorry and then recognize and take the steps we need to do to be different, to not make the same mistakes again,” Rabbi Dorsch said.

In a message to those observing, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, “During this period of reflection, it is my hope that we can recommit to creating a more secure and peaceful future for all. … I extend warm wishes for a meaningful day and an easy fast. Gmar Chatima Tova.” The Day of Atonement is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. More people go to temple on Yom Kippur than any other holiday, 1010 WINS reported. The Long Island Rail Road is adding extra trains to accommodate passengers observing Yom Kippur.