Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar, concludes Monday night. USC organizations are offering multiple opportunities for observing students to celebrate.
Jewish people spend Yom Kippur, which translates to “Day of Atonement,” “praying for forgiveness,” according to Chabad.org.
The website writes that the holiday is when Jewish people are closest to God and to “the essence of [their] souls.”
Every year on Yom Kippur, observers commit to a fast from food, drink and other everyday actions on the 10th day of Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish year. This year, the fast began at sundown on Sunday and will end at sundown on Monday.
Two USC organizations have events scheduled for students preparing to break their fast.
USC Hillel is hosting Yom Kippur services Monday night at its building across from the USC Village. The event will include several Jewish services like Ne’ilah, a prayer service held only on Yom Kippur. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and ends with a “Break Fast” meal starting at 7:30 p.m.
The USC Hillel building, located at 3300 S Hoover St., will be open all day for students celebrating Yom Kippur. USC Hillel uses the space to hold Jewish holiday services and Friday night Shabbat dinners at the end of nearly every week.
USC Chabad is also hosting a celebration Monday night for observing students. The organization invites students looking to “experience the High Holiday on a high inspirational note” to a fast-breaking dinner starting at 7:30 p.m.
The dinner is being hosted at the Chabad House, located at 2700 Severance St. Students must RSVP online at ChabadUSC.com.