Synagogues around Salford are set to welcome thousands of members of the Jewish community ahead of tonight’s Yom Kippur celebrations.
Celebrations are due to take place from 18:23 this evening.
Rabbi Arnold Saunders and Conservative’s Councillor for the Kersal and Broughton Park wards, explained what will be happening within the holiday.
He said: “Anybody who is able to fast which hopefully is the majority of adults will fast for 25 hours – it’s the holiest day in the Jewish year.”
“It’s the longest synagogue service of the year and we say apart from the normal prayers, we have special prayers for forgiveness.”
The holiday is regarded as the most important within the Jewish faith. According to tradition,Yom Kippur is the day that God decides each person’s fate. Jewish people are encouraged to make amends during the holiday and ask for forgiveness for sins committed during the past year.
From tonight, a 25-hour fast will begin and will end at 19:25 tomorrow, when the sun sets.
Apart from the fast, Jewish people are also expected to follow a strict set of rules to ensure complete rest. Mr Saunders said that he won’t be able to wear leather shoes, he can’t work, answer the telephone, or even write emails.
He added: “I will be at the synagogue this evening after 18:23. There will be a 2–3-hour service and then I’ll be back in the synagogue at 08:30 in the morning right through until 20:00 at night but with a couple of breaks for about half an hour. Some people just stay in the synagogue all day.”
Although Mr Sanders admitted it will be a hard 25 hours, he also reflected on how the health and environmental benefits of fasting will make it well worth it.
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