By Raychel Stewart
For The Signal
Local temples are gathering for the High Holy Days of Yom Kippur throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
The Jewish faith recognizes Yom Kippur starting at sundown on Tuesday, with services Wednesday, as well.
“Yom Kippur is typically a very intense day of prayer and focus,” Rabbi Mark Blazer, of Temple Beth Ami, said in a previous interview. “You are really in prayer every moment of that day.”
Blazer also said that, because Yom Kippur follows Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, so closely, it provides Jews with another week and a half to focus on starting the year off right by fasting and spending time in prayer.
Temple Beth Ami
Temple Beth Ami held its evening service Tuesday evening and there are several morning services scheduled starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday at 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road. More information is available at templebethami.org.
Chabad of SCV
Yom Kippur services were held at Chabad of SCV starting Tuesday with the communal prayer Kol Nidrei, which takes place right before sunset.
The services continue Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. with the morning prayer Shacharit. Yizkor are scheduled for noon, and the services are expected to conclude with the final prayers, Neilah, at 5:40 p.m. Programs for children will also be available during the services.
“Everyone is welcome to services. You don’t have to be religious,” Rabbi Choni Marozov said in a past interview. “One of the greatest blessings we receive from God is when we come together as a community.”
The services are free to guests, but donations are welcome.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Congregation Beth Shalom hosted services Tuesday evening and the Wednesday service starts at 9 a.m. at the temple, 21430 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information or to make reservations for the services, call 661-254-2411 or visit chabadscv.com
