Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.

Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On Sept. 25, observation will begin at sunset.

Kol Nidre Services are being held at several local temples and synagogues (call first; tickets may be required) Tuesday evening:

• The Germantown Jewish Center, Mt. Airy: 5:45p.m.
• Chabad-Lubavitch of Northwest Philadelphia, Mt. Airy: 6 p.m.
• JBeth Tikvah-B'Nai Jeshurun, Flourtown: 6:30 p.m.
• Mishkan Shalom Synagogue, Roxborouth: 6:15 p.m. at Haverford High School
• Congregation Or Amy-Ivy Ridge, Lafayette Hill: 8 p.m.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before—once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.