The Day of Atonement known as Yom Kippur in the Hebrew language. Also called the Sabbath of Sabbaths, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement for the Jews falls on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. (Two days of Rosh Hashanah, followed by a week and the day of Yom Kippur constitute the Ten Days of Penitence.) For a period of 24 hours, Jews will observe fasting. No drop of water or morsel of food is consumed during this time. On the eve of Yom Kippur, however, the devout are instructed to have a fulsome feast. andles are lit to last through the next day.
The Day of Atonement is a day for recalling the dear departed and taking inspiration from their lives so that the days ahead may be free from obstacles. It is also set apart to remember the assassination of Gedaliah, the just governor of the province of Judah by Baalis, the King of Ammon.