No food, no work and zero indulgence.
In a couple of days, those of the Jewish faith will put aside these earthly needs and desires and instead use their energies to reflect and contemplate on ways to improve their lives and become a better person.
This day to reflect and ultimately atone for one?s sins the past year is called Yom Kippur.
Article Photos
Cantor Doug Renfroe, left, stands alongside David Berger as he blows the shofar ushering in the Jewish New Year.
Last Friday evening initiated a 10-day period marking Judaism?s holiest season of the year known as the Days of Awe. It begins with Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, and extends to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Services will be held at Temple Bat Yam of the Islands, whose worship services take place in Fellowship Hall of the Congregational United Church of Christ on
Periwinkle Way.
Fact Box
To Go
What
Yom Kippur services
When
Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m., afternoon service at 3 p.m., a memorial service at 4 p.m., a closing service at 5 p.m. and a breakfast at 6 p.m.
Where
Congregational United Church of Christ
Fellowship Hall
2050 Periwinkle Way
For more information
Dr. Michael Raab, 395-1432
Yom Kippur services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m., afternoon service at 3 p.m., a memorial service at 4 p.m., a closing service at 5 p.m. and a breakfast at 6 p.m. People are asked to bring a dish for a potluck or contribute $10.
Rabbi Murray Saltzman will be officiating the services.
"We celebrate the human condition for change and improvement,?" Rabbi Saltzman said. "This is the time when Jews ask those they might have wronged during the year for forgiveness and reflect on ways to live a better, purer life."
In addition, Rabbi Saltzman said now is a great time for reflection on a more global level as well.
"We are still a world filled with greed and conflicts,?" he said. "?There's much that requires reflection and redirection.?"
Rabbi Saltzman said that the greed (particularly within the financial community), bitterness and acrimony affecting the nation and world also touches individuals.
"If things are to change, we must begin with ourselves,?" he added. "We must
transform ourselves.?"
Several islanders will be taking the time to reflect on the Yom Kippur holy day. Local artist Myra Roberts biggest concern is uniting people during rough economic and political times.
"I believe this year is about helping others,?" she said. "People should come together for the common good of mankind."
Vicki Marcus is praying for ?a lot of good healthy peace? and a more stable economy.
"You can?t ask for more than that,"? Marcus said.
For additional information regarding Yom Kippur services, call Dr. Michael Raab at 395-1432.
