Jewish people observe holy day of Yom Kippur
Jews from around the world fast and repent for their sins on this holiday.
On the day before Yom Kippur, the primary commandment is to eat and drink to keep full during the fasting period. Two festive meals are eaten, one earlier in the day, and one just prior to the start of the fast. Jerusalem, Israel, October 10.
Jewish people from all around the world on Tuesday observed the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur, also known as the "Day of Atonement".
Yom Kippur commemorates the day when God forgave the Jewish people for worshipping a golden idol that was in the form of a calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days.
Much of the day is spent repenting and praying at the synagogue on Yom Kippur due to the belief that they are linked to angels and have no physical needs. Jerusalem, Israel, October 10.
The period in between Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and Yom Kippur is referred to as the "Days of Repentance" or "Days of Awe".
The 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishri is the day of Yom Kippur, meaning the "Day of Atonement," which is known to be the holiest day of the year. Ashdod, Israel October 10.
Yom Kippur is observed by a 25 hour fasting period, beginning from sunset on the evening before and ending at nightfall. Herzliya, Israel October 10.
The day before Yom Kippur its ritual to swing a live chicken or a bag of coins above one's head to transfer the sins of the past year to the animal or object, which is then slaughtered and traditionally given to the poor. Ashdod, Israel October 9.
Fasting for Jew's is not only abstaining from food and drink, it also involves not bathing, using oils and cosmetics, wearing leather shoes and engaging in intimacy. Herzliya, Israel October 10.
Pregnant women, along with the ill and children under the age nine are not permitted to fast even if they want to. If one feels sick during the fast, they are permitted to break the fast. Bnei Brak, Israel October 9.
Yom Kippur is the only day which five prayer services are given unlike a normal day, where there are three prayer services. It also includes private and public confessions. Herzliya, Israel October 10.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews whip believers with leather straps as a symbolic punishment for their sins during the traditional Malkot ceremony, a few hours before the start of Yom Kippur. Beit Shemesh, Israel, October 3, 2014 file photo.
Customs on the night of Yom Kippur include blowing the shofar - a hollowed-out ram's horn - and eating foods such as apples dipped in honey. Challah bread is also eaten in a round loaf to symbolise a circle of life and the new year. Israel, File photo.
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