As dusk peaked through the curtains of the Grand Horizon
Ballroom in Covel Commons on Oct. 2, Yom Kippur observers endured
the remaining moments of their 25-hour fast. Standing together, the
energy in the room was high as the rhythmic clapping and chanting
of prayers and confessions echoed off the walls.
Roughly 30 miles away, Shaun Doria, a third-year neuroscience
student, participated in a similar Yom Kippur service as he
traveled closer to home to observe what is commonly known as the
most spiritual day in the Jewish calendar.
Though Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, lasts just over 24
hours, the day is traditionally filled with prayers, the
renunciation of sins, and the practice of self-denial as observers
abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in sexual activities,
bathing, and wearing shoes.
“It’s (the) one day a year all Jews are directed to
leave the world behind,” said Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller,
director and rabbi for UCLA Hillel. “In order to appreciate
(the) blessings of the world … sometimes you step outside of the
world.”
Since he chose to become more observant of his religion’s
traditions in the last 10 months, Doria said this Yom Kippur had an
even bigger impact on the refinement of his soul and the year to
come.
“I feel a sense of renewal afterwards … a fresh
start,” Doria said.
While fasting for 25 consecutive hours may seem daunting to some
students, Doria said it is not difficult for him.
Like Doria, Maxwell Kaizer, a fourth-year art history student,
fasts with ease.
“I’m a champion faster ““ it usually never
bothers me,” Kaizer said, though he admitted that it does
become aggravating toward the end.
Just like preparing for an important exam or a football game,
the days leading up to Yom Kippur involve preparation, both on a
physical and mental level.
From special prayers to eating a hearty meal before the fast
begins, the holiday can be “nerve-racking,” Doria
said.
“It’s the last chance to ask for forgiveness for the
past year,” he said.
Chanting standardized confessions and asking for forgiveness for
sins committed during the year provides observers the opportunity
for a fresh start.
“It allows you to enter the world with renewed spiritual
vigor,” Seidler-Feller said.
Just as millions around the world make New Years resolutions,
Yom Kippur observers such as Doria participate in a similar
activity, as they reflect on how they want to change in the coming
year.
Because Yom Kippur usually falls on the start of the academic
school year ““ a time when most students begin to finalize
their schedules and delve into schoolwork and extracurricular
activities ““ the holiday can cut time away from these
obligations.
Though Doria did not miss class, he said the holiday had a minor
affect on his non-academic activities.
Still, Doria has no complaints.
“It helps you get started in the school year to keep a
clear mind,” he said.
Upon becoming more observant of traditional Jewish practices,
Doria had to make several changes to his lifestyle ““ he now
keeps more strictly to Jewish dietary laws; he observes Shabbat, a
day of rest on Saturday when observant Jews use no electricity and
conduct no work; and he chose to leave the UCLA marching band.
A trumpet player and avid football fan, Doria embraces his
choice.
“I appreciate the Shabbat a little bit more than being
able to go to football games,” he said.
Seidler-Feller has witnessed this phenomena of an increasing
growth toward returning to traditional observance in the past
decade.
“It’s a notable trend, (though) it’s not
widespread,” Seidler-Feller said.
Breaking the fast first with water, apples and raisins, Doria
joined his parents in Moorpark for a light meal and said he already
feels a sense of renewal and focus for the start of the year.
“I’ve gone through the wash-cycle,” he
said.