Right now, this very day, this very hour, Jews around the world and especially in Israel are observing the most holy and sacred holiday in Jewish and Israeli history.
This is "the day of atonement." The day that Jews repent of their sins to God, seeking his mercy, not his judgement on their lives for their actions and choices over the past year. This day is instituted in the book of Leviticus, Chapter 16: verses 29,30. It is written:
"In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and you shall not do any work ... For on that day he shall provide atonement for you to cleanse you from all your sins before the L-RD."
To observe this holiday, typically Jews "fast" or refrain from eating or drinking (even water) for a 25 hour period. They do not work either. Basically, the whole country shuts down. All public transporation, restaurants, malls, stores... everything.
My most vivid memory from this holiday while I was in Israel, was the sheer and utter silence of the day from the complete shut down of all public life. ...... Well, this and the memory of my Jewish boyfriend telling me he hopes God doesn't judge him for dating a non- Jewish girl!
