Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Observing a day of values and charity
Jews unite for Yom Kippur to focus on spirituality. Rabbis also discuss the economic crisis.
By Zain Shauk
Local Jews gathered at sundown Wednesday to observe the start of Yom Kippur, a daylong fast that involves prayer, forgiveness and charity.
The holiday lasts just over 24 hours — it stretched from dusk Wednesday to nightfall Thursday — and involves abstinence from food and drink.
“The concept behind the fasting is to live in an austere manner for 25 hours,” said Rabbi Simcha Backman of the Chabad Jewish Center of Glendale, explaining that Jews “refrain from physical needs” on Yom Kippur, a process that allows them to focus on spirituality.
Temples in Glendale and Burbank held services throughout the day — some open to the public — and engaged in a set of prayers including readings from scripture, recitation of specific poetic prayers and repentance to God and to the community, Backman said.
“If you wrong another person, you must ask them for forgiveness, and then God will forgive you,” Backman said, explaining that Jews pray directly for repentance for transgressions between them and God.
Rabbi Mark Sobel, of Burbank Temple Beth Emet, said the question of discussing the financial turmoil was a no-brainer.
“That’s a given,” Sobel said, explaining that religious values were central to the communal healing process.
“We are in difficult economic times, and the concept of community is always paramount in our thoughts,” Sobel said, adding that his temple planned to collect toys for charity and would offer aid to community organizations as part of its Yom Kippur observance.
“The book of Isaiah teaches us that we are to be light to the nation,” Sobel said.
“The greatest light you can be is to bring someone out of the darkness, whatever their needs may be.”
Rabbi Richard Flom, of the Burbank Temple Emanuel El, said he was “certainly going to be touching on the economy and our obligation to look out for each other, especially in times of economic hardship.”
“That ties in with our theme of loving your neighbor,” Flom added.
Temples each held their own services throughout the day, and no one was turned away, rabbis said.
The holiday lasts just over 24 hours — it stretched from dusk Wednesday to nightfall Thursday — and involves abstinence from food and drink.
“The concept behind the fasting is to live in an austere manner for 25 hours,” said Rabbi Simcha Backman of the Chabad Jewish Center of Glendale, explaining that Jews “refrain from physical needs” on Yom Kippur, a process that allows them to focus on spirituality.
Temples in Glendale and Burbank held services throughout the day — some open to the public — and engaged in a set of prayers including readings from scripture, recitation of specific poetic prayers and repentance to God and to the community, Backman said.
advertisement
Rabbi Mark Sobel, of Burbank Temple Beth Emet, said the question of discussing the financial turmoil was a no-brainer.
“That’s a given,” Sobel said, explaining that religious values were central to the communal healing process.
“We are in difficult economic times, and the concept of community is always paramount in our thoughts,” Sobel said, adding that his temple planned to collect toys for charity and would offer aid to community organizations as part of its Yom Kippur observance.
“The book of Isaiah teaches us that we are to be light to the nation,” Sobel said.
“The greatest light you can be is to bring someone out of the darkness, whatever their needs may be.”
Rabbi Richard Flom, of the Burbank Temple Emanuel El, said he was “certainly going to be touching on the economy and our obligation to look out for each other, especially in times of economic hardship.”
“That ties in with our theme of loving your neighbor,” Flom added.
Temples each held their own services throughout the day, and no one was turned away, rabbis said.
Save/Share
 |
||
| IN THEORY: Serving God through tough times |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of burbankleader.com.
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
Not registered yet?
RSS