By Mary O’KEEFE

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith.

“Yom Kippur is celebrated on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei,” said Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum of the Chabad of the Crescenta Valley.

Yom Kippur is a time when Jews atone for their sins over the past year.

“That is what God said to do,” Grossbaum said.

The history of Yom Kippur traces back to Moses and the worshiping of the Golden Calf, he added.

After the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and after traveling through the desert they eventually arrived at Mt. Sinai. Moses ascended the mountain and was given the Ten Commandments by God. Moses was on the mountain for 40 days and when he returned he found his people worshipping the Golden Calf – a false god. God gave the Israelites 10 days to atone for this sin and then forgave them. The 10 days are now recognized between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Grossbaum said that now more than ever it is time for Jews to atone and to “pray for confidence” in their faith and their Jewish roots.

“This year has not been easy for [Jewish people],” he said citing incidents of anti-Semitism.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, there was a 75% increase in incidents of anti-Semitism reported in the U.S. this year after fighting began in May between Israel and Palestine. Grossbaum added hate crimes can cause people to lose their confidence in who they are. He wants this Yom Kippur to be a time for people to return to their foundation.

Local Yom Kippur services began yesterday and continue today. Services will be held at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, 4469 Chevy Chase Drive.

Sept. 16 – Full Yom Kippur day services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Room

“Yizkor” service about noon in the Main Room

“Ne’ilah” and break-fast about 6:30 p.m. in the Creative Arts Room

Children’s program will be taking place at 11 a.m. and will end at noon.

RSVPs are not necessary; walk-ins are welcome. For more information on the Chabad of the Crescenta Valley please visit CVChabad.org.