Yom Kippur begins at sundown

Yom Kippur is the holiest day ofthe year, when we are closest to the Lord and to the essence of our souls. YomKippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “because on this dayatonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you willbe clean from all your sins.” (Leviticus 16:30)

For nearly 26 hours, believers“afflict their souls.” They abstain from food and drink, do not wash or applylotions or creams, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from maritalrelations. Instead, they spend the day in synagogue, praying for forgiveness.