DAY OF ATONEMENT: Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz And His Congregation At Greystone Jewish Center/Chabad of Yonkers Are Now Observing Yom Kippur

YONKERS (WESTCHESTER COUNTY) AND AROUND THE WORLD: Yom Kippur is part of the Jewish high holy days, but you shouldn't tell someone "Happy Yom Kippur." Here's what you need to know about the somber commemoration.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar and also one of the most somber commemorations of the year.

It marks the end of the "Days of Awe," a 10-day period that begins on Rosh Hashanah, the other main High Holy Day which celebrates the Jewish New Year.

They And Others In The observant #Yonkers Jewish Community Are Fasting, Repenting And Worshiping Until Tomorrow Night.

This Day Of Atonement Is The Time To Wipe The Slate Clean Of Any Wrongs Doings That Occurred This Year.

In Yonkers The Following Statements Were Released By Officials: 

STATEMENT: From Mayor #MikeSpano....

"At sundown, members of the Jewish faith can take a moment in time to reflect and adjust.

Yom Kippur sends a comprehensive message, including acceptance, repentance, and introspection.

It is an opportunity to create new beginnings, and to leave past faults behind.

This Yom Kippur, as we reflect upon our expectations of ourselves, let us commit to fulfilling the promise of our values and work to strengthen our family, our community, and our City of Yonkers.

On behalf of The City of Yonkers, I wish you a blessed Yom Kippur and an easy fast."

STATEMENT: From #YonkersCityCouncil Woman Corazon Pineda Isaac...

"To those of the Jewish faith, Yom Kippur signals the end of the High Holy days. Yom Kimpur means 'Day of Atonement', where many seek God's forgiveness and mercy to make amends for the wrongs they have committed.

It is a time of dedication of the mind, body and soul to reconcile with others, ourselves and God.It allows us to move forward, despite our past, to a better future.

This serves as a reminder of how important faith is and renews our strength to face challenges that may lie ahead.

I wish those celebrating an easy fast and a blessed Yom Kippur!

G'mar Chatimah Tovah."

STATEMENT: From #Yoners' New York State Senate Majority Leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins

"Yom Kippur begins tonight, and I'd like to wish everyone observing the Day of Atonement a thoughtful and easy fast. I hope you find peace and prosperity in the new year."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/posts/3360256604231894/

Jewish adults observing the holiday typically will fast for around 25-hours (starting at sundown the night before).

However, Jewish teaching explains that anyone whose health may be at risk by fasting is exempt and should still eat and drink water on Yom Kippur.

The Jewish calendar is based primarily on the moon and the Gregorian calendar is based on the sun, which is why it can feel like the holidays are sometimes "late" or "early" in the U.S.

However, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are always observed on the same days on the Jewish calendar.

Yom Kippur officially ends following the last blowing of a ram's horn, or shofar, during Neilah, which is the closing service.

Traditionally, people will gather together for a break-fast meal after Yom Kippur ends.

More Yom Kippur Facts: 

When does Yom Kippur begin?

This year, it begins at sundown on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

What time does Yom Kippur end in 2022?

Yom Kippur officially ends at nightfall on Wednesday, Oct. 5. The exact timing will depend on your location.

What do you say to someone on Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is a somber holiday, so you shouldn't tell someone "Happy Yom Kippur."

Instead, you could tell someone to "have an easy fast." Some have recently taken to instead wishing people a "meaningful fast." This recognizes that the fasting on Yom Kippur is not necessarily supposed to be an easy task.

Another traditional greeting is "G'mar chatima tova" (pronounced gih-MAR chah-tee-MAH toe-VAH), which basically means "May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for good." In Jewish tradition it is believed one's fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.