Jewish Holiday ‘Yom Kippur’ Observed in Israel

Jews in Israel observed Yom Kippur—a day of atonement and repentance—on Sept. 25, 2012. It is considered as one of the holiest Jewish festivals.

The Day of Atonement is marked by a 25-hour period of fasting, intense reflection and prayers, and involves a number of traditional ceremonies, including the Kaparot, where chickens are waved in the air and later ritually slaughtered.