Calendar

• NightfallImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andr¨¦ia Bohner
  
  Unlike secular days, which shift at midnight, Jewish days begin and end at sundown, when the sun dips below the horizon. But on Yom Kippur---and most holidays---the celebration lingers until nightfall, when only stars and the moon are visible in the dark sky. To avoid confusion, most Jewish calendars list the precise times for the start and end of each Sabbath and holiday.
  
  

Identification

• A new chanceImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kate Gardiner
  
  Often referred to as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is a solemn holiday, but not a sad one. It is a chance for Jews to wipe the slate clean through prayer, repentance and a resolve to improve. Jews fast on Yom Kippur; not even water is permitted throughout the nearly 25-hour period.
  
  

Features

• "Next year in Jerusalem!"Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Or Hiltch
  
  Prayers intensify toward the close of Yom Kippur. Its finale is announced by the blowing of the shofar (a ram's horn) and the cheerful cry, "Next year in Jerusalem!"
  
  

Benefits

• Breaking the fastImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mo Riza
  
  When night descends and the prayers conclude, Jews typically celebrate with friends and family, enjoying a meal referred to as the "break fast."
  
  

Exceptions

• Despite the importance of fasting on Yom Kippur, Jewish law forbids anyone to risk his health or life. Young children and pregnant women do not fast. The elderly and sickly also are not obligated to fast; many will obtain permission from a rabbi before deciding not to fast.