Israel shuts down for holiday

A timeout from political worries

A family prayed yesterday morning at the Western Wall in Jerusalem before the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. (Kevin Frayer/ Associated Press)

JERUSALEM - Israel came to a virtual standstill at sundown yesterday as Jews around the world began observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day of their calendar.

The somber holiday caps the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of souls-searching that began with the Jewish New Year.

The holidays, including the weeklong Sukkot (Feast of the Tabernacles) later this month, provide a timeout from Israel's pressing problems - fallout from the global economic crisis, slow-moving peace talks with the Palestinians, and political uncertainty. Prime minister-designate Tzipi Livni is trying to put together a coalition government in coming weeks, but would be forced to call early elections if she fails.

Stores closed early and radios broadcast liturgical music leading up to the Day of Atonement, when tradition says divine judgment of Jews is sealed and their fate is decided for the coming year.

Observant Jews across the world fast and pray in synagogues as they seek forgiveness for past actions. Ahead of the holiday, religious Jews often ask acquaintances to forgive them for any offense they might have committed. Many gathered for prayers at the Western Wall.

The holiday is the only day of the year when all Israeli radio and TV broadcasts go off the air.

Business continues as usual in Arab towns, but shops and cafes in Jewish neighborhoods and towns are closed, planes are grounded, and all public transportation is halted.

Security presence was raised in and around cities, particularly near synagogues and other public places. To guard against possible militant attacks, the Israeli military imposed a closure on the West Bank until early tomorrow.

Yom Kippur ends at sundown today, with the blowing of a shofar, or ram's horn, in synagogues.

This year's observances mark the 35th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, when the armies of Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel in 1973. Israel was caught off guard and suffered heavy losses before rebounding and trouncing the Arab forces.