Celebrate Yom Kippur 2012 in Chatham

Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.

Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Oct. 8 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, moves on 10 days later to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and then includes Sukkot, the Feast of Booths or Fall Harvest and ends with Simchat Torah, the giving of the Torah, the giving of the Jewish Torah, or laws.

According to the Jewish law, a holiday begins at sunset on the previous night. On Sept. 25, observant Jews will celebrate Yom Kippur at sunset.

• Here's a list on services of the holiday.
• Honey cake recipe for Yom Kippur.
• Brisket recipe for Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Jewish month of Tishrei, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before — once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei prayers, an annulment of vows liturgy. Then, for 25+ hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.

After the fast, another festive feast, is customary.

To celebrate the High Holy Days and holiday period before Kol Nidrei and after the Yom Kippur fast, many Jewish specialties are made. But there are a few staples that usually make their way onto the table. Try a honey cake, noodle kugel or brisket.