Millions of Jews in Israel and around the world will mark Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish people, tonight and tomorrow with fasting and prayers. Thousands will gather in synagogues and pray for a quieter and better year than the one that preceded it. After quite a few shocks, this evening the mass prayer will begin on Dizengoff Street. Until the last moment, there was a question of whether the Jewish Head organization would hold the traditional prayer, in light of the municipality's prohibition, backed by the Supreme Court, to place a partition there, but in the end it was decided to hold the prayer. The organization says the prayer will take place through a halachic solution permitted by the municipality.
Jewish Head CEO Israel Zeira said that "the residents of Tel Aviv deserve a Jewish head and we will do everything to lift the spirit and unite in heartfelt prayers."
In recent days, tens of thousands have attended Selichot events at the Western Wall, and many are expected to continue attending during and after Yom Kippur. As every year, the Jerusalem District Police and the Border Police have been intensified to maintain the safety of worshippers.
Alongside the minyanim known in the synagogues, the Tzohar organization will hold joint minyanim for secular and religious people throughout the country. "This is a time when all parts of the nation find the ability to sit side by side and ask for forgiveness," said the organization's chairman, Rabbi David Stav.
Ahead of the holiday, Rabbi Yehuda Marmorstein, CEO of ALEH, appeals to synagogue stewards to make the compounds accessible to worshippers with disabilities, so that everyone can participate in the prayers. "Check that there is room for people in wheelchairs, they don't need to be outside the synagogue, check that the entrance is accessible. A healthier society looks at the other. May our prayers be accepted willingly," he said.
This year, the weather on the holiday is expected to be warm, and MDA is deploying increased forces to respond to thousands of calls requiring medical attention.
Yom Kippur is defined as a "Sabbath," and therefore all the prohibitions that apply on Shabbat apply. It is also forbidden to eat, drink, bathe, use the bed and use perfume. Small children, of course, are forbidden to fast and must eat normally. The fast begins in the evening, before sunset, and ends after the stars come out.
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