Theresa Villiers MP 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?
Beginning at sunset on Tuesday, I know that Jewish people around the world will begin a 25-hour long period of fasting and prayer. Yom Kippur, meaning Day of Atonement, is observed on the 10th of Tishrei and is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. During the period of fasting, those observing Yom Kippur will abstain from acts that are prohibited on the Shabbat and will spend time reflecting on their actions of the past year.
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 in Barnet and I will always champion efforts to promote mutual understanding and friendship between people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds."