Today marks the second day of the internationally celebrated Jewish holiday – Yom Kippur.

Two organizations on West Virginia University’s campus, The Hillel House and Chabad Jewish Center, hosted celebrations last night and will continue their celebrations today.

Yom Kippur began yesterday at sundown with a Pre-Fast Feast and the Kol Nidrei religious ceremony.

The celebrations will continue with an After-Fasting meal and a celebration of the new Jewish year.

Yom Kippur is celebrated by all Jewish denominations and marks the end of Rosh Hashanah, a ten-day high holiday period within the Jewish religion.

During these ten days, it is customary to reflect on actions and sins of the past year and apologize or reconcile with those whom one has wronged.

If one confesses all of his or her sins and reconciles their differences with others, they are written into the Book of Life for another year. This means they are given another year of life, according to Hillel House co-director Deva Solomon.

On campus, the two student organizations provide services for Jewish students, who will have the opportunity to express their religion among others during this important time of reflection. continue...