Today, many Jewish students on campus will observe Yom Kippur,
one of the most important Jewish holidays, by attending services
and fasting.
Yom Kippur ““ roughly translated to mean the Day of
Atonement in English ““ began an hour before sunset Sunday and
will end an hour after sunset tonight.
The holiday comes 10 days after Rosh Hashana ““ the Jewish
new year. The period between the two holidays is designated as a
time for Jews to apologize to those they may have wronged over the
past year.
Observant and many traditionally non-observant Jews spend the
day praying, reflecting on their wrongdoings, and abstaining from
eating or drinking.
“Speaking as a religious Jew, I am certainly celebrating
(Yom Kippur) … I am certainly going through the necessary ritual
practices,” said Gideon Baum, president of the Jewish Student
Union. Though Baum heads JSU, he said he is not speaking on behalf
of the student group.
Other Jewish groups such as UCLA Hillel, have a
“Break-Fast” planned for tonight.
Students fasting for Yom Kippur are invited to join other
“famished Bruins” to break their fasts at 7:30 p.m. at
the UCLA Hillel building, located on Hilgard Avenue, according to a
flier distributed by the group.
Baum said the day is an opportunity for all people to reflect on
their lives and attempt to become better people.
“It is an opportunity for you to take a step back, to
center your thoughts and your feelings on becoming a better
person,” Baum said, adding that fasting brings him closer to
God.
“You’re not thinking about indulging in food …
instead, you are focusing on God,” he said.
With reports from Charlotte Hsu, Bruin Senior
Staff.