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EASTCHESTER, N.Y. -- Jews in Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville are preparing to celebrate Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year.
Rabbi Andrew Gordon of Scarsdale Synagogue, Temples Tremont and Emanu-El said he expects a full house at the series of Yom Kippur services. The services begin Friday night with Kol Nidre, the name of the song-text that begins the service. The phrase "kol nidre" means "all vows." It essentially declares that all vows made with God would be annulled if we fail to live up to them.
"Yom Kippur is a time for reflection, a time to think about all of our misdeeds, and to reflect on how we can become our better selves," Gordon said.
Yom Kippur means Day of Atonement. With exceptions such as children and those who are ill, all Jews are expected to fast on Yom Kippur. The fast will be "broken" at sundown Saturday.
Rabbi Gordon said that even though the fast is broken at night, many families will celebrate with foods such as egg salad, bagels and cream cheese and traditional baked goods like kugle.
All Jews are taught to reflect on their behavior during the previous year and seek God's forgiveness. Before the service, they should seek reconciliation with people whom they might have wronged.
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