At sundown tonight, the Jewish community of Ontario, and around the world, will begin Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year and is marked by a 25 hour fast and intensive prayer as well as time to reflect.
According to Jewish tradition, it is on Yom Kippur that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. For many in the Jewish community, this Yom Kippur will look different than most years. Instead of synagogue attendance, many Jews will be praying at home, in small groups, or attending services online.
To all of those observing, on behalf of myself and my family, I wish you a g’mar chatima tova and an easy and meaningful fast. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year.