Yom Kippur Observed Worldwide With a 25-Hour Fast

Jews around the world began observing Yom Kippur at sunset on October 1, entering a roughly 25 hour period of fasting, prayer and reflection that concludes at nightfall on October 2. The Day of Atonement, the holiest date on the Jewish calendar, draws large congregations to synagogues for services such as Kol Nidre on the eve and Neilah at the conclusion and is marked by abstention from food, drink and other physical comforts.

Observed at the close of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur centers on confession, forgiveness and spiritual renewal. Ritual practices vary by level of observance but commonly include refraining from eating and drinking, avoiding bathing and the use of lotions, and not wearing leather footwear. Many worshippers spend the day in extended synagogue services and in private introspection. Rabbi Richard Steinberg, senior rabbi at Congregation Shir HaMaalot in Irvine, said the holiday is "a time when we learn the lessons of the year that was, so we can improve for the year to come."

The timing of the fast varies by location because observance is tied to local sunset and nightfall. Local community calendars list exact times; for...