Theresa Villiers Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet has issued the following Yom Kippur message.
"To all those in the Chipping Barnet constituency who are observing Yom Kippur this week, may I send my best wishes for this holiest of days?
This important date in the calendar also provides an opportunity to highlight the hugely positive contribution made by the Jewish community in Barnet. Our culturally diverse society is one of our great strengths and I will always champion efforts to promote mutual understanding and friendship between people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds."
Commencing at sunset on today, Jewish people around the world will begin a 25-hour long period of fasting and prayer. Yom Kippur, meaning Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
During the period of fasting, those observing Yom Kippur abstain from acts that are prohibited on the Shabbat and spend time reflecting on their actions over the preceding 12 month
