The Worldwide Religious News website reports that Israel came to a virtual standstill at sundown today (Friday, September 17, 2010), as Jews began observing the start of the holiest day of the Jewish calendar -- the 25 hours of fasting and contemplation known as Yom Kippur.
Although most Israelis are not religious, Israel all but shuts down for the duration of the fast day. There are no TV or radio broadcasts, businesses are shuttered, and the streets are devoid of cars.
Most Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur -- also known as the Day of Atonement -- and a typical fast may include an egg for breakfast, 10 cups of water during the day, and lots of carbohydrates.
The fast ends and normal life resumes at sundown on Saturday (September 18) with a blast of the shofar -- a traditional ram's horn -- in synagogues across the country.
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