Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year, when observers are closest to the Lord and to the essence of their souls. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be 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 apply lotions or creams, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations. Instead, they spend the day in synagogue, praying for forgiveness.