Yom Kippur: Reflection, Repentance Begin at Sundown

In the Torah, the Book of Leviticus commands that the 10th day of the 7th month called Tishrei be set aside as the "Sabbath of Sabbaths," a day of fasting and reflection for the atonement of sins.

Jewish people here and around the world will observe this ancient tradition beginning Tuesday with the arrival of Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement," the most solemn occasion of the Hebrew calendar.

Before sunset, the day is marked by acts of charity and pleas for forgiveness. Two special meals also precede a 25-hour fast; synagogue attendance typically surges for the solemn rituals, where hours are spent in reflection and special prayers. Work on this day is forbidden.

The day's ultimate purpose is to seek redemption in the eyes of G-d.

Yom Kippur completes the annual period known as the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora'im ("Days of Awe") which began with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Many area synagogues conduct open services on Wednesday; see our events calendar for some of these. 

Jewish teachings hold that G-d inscribes a person's fate for the coming year into the "Book of Life" on Rosh Hashanah and waits until Yom Kippur to "seal" the verdict. Between the two High Holy Days, Jews attempt to amend their behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done to G-d and their fellow man, Jewish scholars say.

Southampton, Sag Harbor and Tuckahoe school districts will be closed Wednesday in observance of Yom Kippur. Sagaponack and Bridgehampton schools will be open.

Local Yom Kippur Services:

Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center, Southampton:
Call 631-287-2249 to reserve a seat. No prior affiliation necessary.

• Sept. 25: Fast begins at 6:23 p.m. Candle lighting time is 6:23 p.m., followed by kol nidrei at 6:30 p.m,

• Sept. 26: Morning service is at 9 a.m. Yizkor memorial service begins at 11:30 a.m., and Musaf service ends at 2 p.m. Mincha & Neila closing service is at 5 p.m. Fast ends at 7:20 p.m. All are invited to a Yom Kippur break fast at 7:20 p.m.

Temple Adas Israel, Sag Harbor:

• Sept. 25: Yom Kippur begins with the fast starting at 6:24 p.m. The Kol Nidre Service is at 8 p.m.

• Sept. 26: Yom Kippur morning service begins at 10 a.m., and continues throughout the day, with stories, songs and activities for children 6 and under at 11:45 a.m. A Seder Ha'Avodah (study and song on the origin and meaning of Atonement) will be held at 2 p.m. A Yom Kippur Family Service for children 10 and under will begin at 3:00 p.m.  Minchah (afternoon) Service starts at 4:00 p.mm. with the Yizkor Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. The concluding Neilah service will be held at 6:45 p.m., with the final shofar blast at 7:25 p.m. (Children are asked to wear white and go up on the bima). Havdalah and Break the Fast follows and everyone is invited to join us.

The Conservative Synagogue of the Hamptons*, Sag Harbor: 

• Sept. 25: Kol Nidre services on the eve of Yom Kippur will take place at 6:15 p.m.

• Sept. 26: Services, including Yizkor, are at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., including Minchah and Neilah prayers. There will be a festive community break-fast following the sounding of the Shofar and the Havdalah service, which concludes at 7:23 p.m.

*All services are held at the Old Whalers Church

Editor's Note: The spelling of "G-d" is intentional in this story in respect of a Jewish tradition. See the link for details.