What do people do to observe Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is observed by adults fasting from sundown to sundown, refraining from work, and spending the day involved in communal prayer and repentance. There are also prohibitions which include drinking, bathing, wearing leather and sexual relations. The focus is meant to be on prayer only. At sundown, the Shofar is blown, and everyone begins the year feeling joyful in his or her resolve to have a good year. A meal to “break the fast” is served at sundown. Q: What is the Yom Kippur War? Is this part of the holiday? A: The Yom Kippur war was begun by the Arabs, Egypt and Syria in an attack against Israel on Yom Kippur (October 6) in 1973. It was a surprise to the Israelis, as the Jewish State of Israel observes Yom Kippur, with government offices and businesses closed and very little traffic. Q: What is the customary greeting on Yom Kippur? A: L’shanah tovah (a good year) or G’mar chatima tovah (a good finish, meaning a positive result for the fasting and prayer, leading to a good year
