Riverview's Jewish Community Concludes Yom Kippur Observances After 25 Hours of Fasting and Prayer

Riverview residents who observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, concluded their observances earlier this week. The Day of Atonement, which began at sunset on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and lasted until nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026, focused on atonement for sins committed in the past year.

Yom Kippur, celebrated on the 10th day of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, involves a 25-hour period of reflection and spiritual cleansing. During this time, observers "afflict their souls" as a sign of atonement. This includes a complete fast, abstaining from washing, applying lotions to the skin, wearing leather footwear, and engaging in marital relations. No work is to be done during this sacred period.

The day is primarily spent in prayer at the synagogue. Many observers wear white as a custom. In Orthodox synagogues, services typically ran from 8 or 9 a.m. until around 3 p.m., with an afternoon break for rest. Evening services then resumed around 5 or 6 p.m. and continued until after nightfall.

Five prayer services were held throughout the day, culminating with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a long blast on the shofar, or ram's horn trumpet. After the final service and the sounding of the shofar, celebrants traditionally proclaim, "Next year in Jerusalem," before sharing an after-fast meal.