The solem Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday with the traditional Kol Nidre service at San Diego-area congregations.
Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew. It is a day of fasting, prayer and repentance marking the end of the annual 10-day high holy days period beginning with Rosh Hashanah.
Kol Nidre, or “all vows,” is the name of the opening prayer. In many congregations, the prayer is accompanied by performance of a plaintive melody, usually played on a cello.
Yom Kippur atones for sins between people and God, but not for for sins between people. For those sins, according to Jewish law, one has to ask the individuals who were hurt for forgiveness.
Many Jews fast over the 24-hour period of Yom Kippur and then attend a celebratory feast.
Yom Kippur ends with a single, long blast of the shofar, an ancient musical instrument made from a ram’s horn.
The San Diego Jewish Journal has posted a list of high holy days services at area congregations.
