Yom Kippur Begins Sunday Evening: Alexandria Congregations Mark Judaism’s Holiest Day
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Jewish residents across Alexandria will observe Yom Kippur beginning at sundown Sunday, September 20, and continuing through nightfall Monday, September 21.
Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. It concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The observance is traditionally devoted to prayer, fasting, reflection and seeking forgiveness. Many Jewish adults refrain from eating and drinking for approximately 25 hours, although children and people whose health could be endangered by fasting are exempt.
Yom Kippur in Alexandria
Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, lists its Yom Kippur morning service for 9 a.m. Monday in the Cohen Sanctuary. Anyone interested in attending should contact the congregation at 703-998-6460 to confirm admission and security requirements.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, will hold a community Break the Fast from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, with bagels, lox and traditional accompaniments. Registration for that gathering has closed, according to the congregation’s website.
The holiday is scheduled to end in the Alexandria area at approximately 7:46 p.m. Monday.
G’mar chatima tova—a traditional wish that one be sealed for a good year.
