Yom Kippur begins at sundown Wednesday, with observant Jews fasting and seeking forgiveness for their sins, with law enforcement being on their customary heightened alert against possible threats to the Jewish community.
According to Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur is the day Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the second set of commandment tablets — he had smashed the first — and announced God’s pardon to the people for worshipping a golden calf.
Observant Jews believe that God inscribes the names of the righteous in the Book of Life on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, and seals the book on Yom Kippur, 10 days later. For that reason, the traditional greeting among Jews on Yom Kippur is Gemar Chatima Tova, which means “good final sealing” and conveys the wish: “May your name be sealed in the book of life.”
Yom Kippur services begin with the Kol Nidre, an ancient prayer that literally means “all vows” or “all promises.” The last service of the day ends with the sounding of a ram’s horn called a shofar.
Yom Kippur concludes at sundown Thursday, ending the 10-day period on the Jewish calendar known as Days of Teshuvah, which is variously translated as repentance, return and change, and the Days of Awe. Many Jews fast on Yom Kippur and spend much of the time in synagogues.
While most congregations require membership and tickets for High Holy Days services, there are organizations that will conduct free services, including Laugh Factory Hollywood, where a Kol Nidre service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Wednesday, a morning service at 11 a.m. Thursday and a Neilah service at 6 p.m. Thursday.
The services will be streamed on the Laugh Factory’s website, www.laughfactory.com.
Since last week’s start of Judaism’s High Holy Days, Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell “have been working closely to implement enhanced safety measures aimed at protecting Jewish communities throughout Los Angeles,” Bass’ office said in a statement Tuesday.
“The mayor has emphasized that antisemitism has no place in Los Angeles and that the city is committed to ensuring Jewish Angelenos can observe the High Holy Days in peace and safety. She has expressed appreciation for the LAPD’s proactive and collaborative approach during this time.”
In addition, Bass said, McDonnell “has made clear that the LAPD is focused not only on prevention but also on building community trust and presence.”
“The department has been working in partnership with Jewish institutions, community leaders, and public safety agencies to maintain a heightened level of vigilance and preparedness, and will continue implementing safety measures throughout the High Holidays and beyond,” Bass’ statement said.
Antisemitic incidents in Southern California and worldwide have spiked following Israel’s response to the Oct. 7, 2023, rocket barrage and militants attack on the Gaza-Israel barrier that resulted in the deaths of 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 815 civilians, in the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it, too, is taking “proactive steps to maintain heightened awareness and preparedness” in coordination with Jewish community leaders and public safety partners.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our Jewish communities during the High Holy Days and beyond,” the department said in a statement Tuesday.
The sheriff’s department said it has increased patrols and visibility around Jewish places of worship “and continues ongoing engagement with Jewish institutions and community leaders.”
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stands united against antisemitism and all forms of hate and remains dedicated to protecting every community we serve,” the department’s statement said.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
Be First to Comment