Yom Kippur

     Yom Kippur (Hebrew: Day of Atonement) begins at sundown.  The day is the holiest day of the year in the Jewish calendar.  Fasting is practiced for the entire twenty four hours and numerous activities are proscribed, including bathing, anointing with oil, and sex.  Any religious vows made in the prior year between individual Jews and God are annulled.  The day is devoted to prayer, fasting, atonement, and reconciliation.