Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, has issued the following message for Yom Kippur:
"To all those across Barnet who are observing Yom Kippur this week, may I send my best wishes for this holiest of days? G'mar Chatima Tovah!
At this important date in the calendar, I am reminded of the hugely positive contribution made by the Jewish community in our borough. Our culturally diverse society is one of our great strengths in Barnet and I will always champion efforts to promote mutual understanding and friendship between people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds”.
Starting at sunset today, Jewish communities around the world will begin a 25-hour long period of fasting and prayer. Translating as Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. The traditional greeting for Yom Kippur is "G'mar Chatima Tovah".
During the period of fasting, those observing Yom Kippur will abstain from acts that are prohibited on the Shabbat and spend time reflecting on their actions during the preceding year. At the end of Yom Kippur, Jewish people come together with friends and family to break their fast.
