Observe Yom Kippur 2012 in the North Shore

Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.

Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On Sept. 25, observation will begin at sunset.

• At Congregation Shalom in Fox Point, an Erev Yom Kippur intergenerational service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, and another Erev Yom Kippur service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesday, early Yom Kippur services will be held at 8:45 a.m., and late Yom Kippur services will be held at 11:30 a.m.

• At Congregation Sinai in Fox Point, a Kol Nidre Service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesday, a Yom Kippur morning service will be held at 9:30 a.m., an afternoon study session at 12:30 p.m., a children's service at 2 p.m., an afternoon service at 3 p.m., yizkor at 4:30 p.m. and N'ilah at 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• At Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Kol Nidre begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesday, Shaharit begins at 9 a.m., Minha begins at 4 p.m., Neilah at 5:45 p.m. with Yom Kippur ending at 7:06 p.m. The temple also offers babysitting and youth programs.
  
  
• The Shul Center in Bayside  is offering daily Yom Kippur services  this week, including a Mincha Service at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
  
  
• The Jewish Community Center will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, and the building will be closed all day Wednesday in observance of Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before—once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.

To observe the High Holy Days and holiday period before Kol Nidrei and after the Yom Kippur fast, many Jewish specialties are made. But there are a few staples that usually make their way onto the table. Try a honey cake or noodle kugel.