Yom Kippur is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, marking the end of the ten day period of repentance which begins at Rosh Hashanah. On this day we spend our time in prayer and reflection, making right the wrongs that we have committed during the past year. We abstain from food, drink, sexual relations, bathing and anointing ourselves, from sunset until the stars come out the following day (25 hours later), so that we think not of matters of the body, but rather matters of the soul. It is a time for reflection and contemplation. It is a tradition also to refrain from wearing leather shoes and to wear white.

We have an evening Kol Nidre service as well as a full day of prayer services, learning discussions and meditative reflective opportunities in which each person can participate during Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is focused in the synagogue around 5 services:

Kol Nidre - the evening service named after the opening prayer
Shacharit - morning service
Musaf - the additional service
Mincha - afternoon service, including the Book of Jonah
Ne’ilah - the unique service that concludes Yom Kippur.

Tradition

On Yom Kippur we can achieve atonement for our sins between God and us. However, it does not help with atonement for sins against other people. Therefore, now is the time to seek forgivenesss from those we have offended and to repair any damage and pain we have caused during the past year.
Kapparot - the tradition of killing a chicken and giving it away “with your sins” has been replaced by giving money as tzedakah and support to those in need - through programs like Mazon, social justice or other charitable funds in the synagogue .
Viddui - a ‘confessional’ prayer is said in each service, encouraging us to reflect deeply on our current situation and opportunities for healing.

Please see days and times of all High Holyday 5772 services here.