Temples in Glendale and Burbank will hold services throughout the day — some will be open to the public — and will engage in a set of prayers that include readings from scripture, recitation of specific poetic prayers and repentance to God and to the community, Backman said.
“If you wrong another person, you must ask them for forgiveness and then God will forgive you,” Backman said, explaining that Jews pray directly for repentance for transgressions between them and God.
While the day will be centered on the concept of atonement, rabbis said they would also draw connections to the nation’s current economic crisis, emphasizing the importance of caring for others.
Rabbi Mark Sobel, of Burbank Temple Beth Emet, said the question of discussing the financial turmoil was a no-brainer.
“That’s a given,” Sobel said, explaining that religious values were central to the communal healing process.
“We are in difficult economic times, and the concept of community is always paramount in our thoughts,” Sobel said, adding that his temple planned to collect toys for charity and would offer aid to community organizations as part of its Yom Kippur observance.
“The book of Isaiah teaches us that we are to be light to the nation,” Sobel said.
“The greatest light you can be is to bring someone out of the darkness, whatever their needs may be.”
Rabbi Richard Flom, of the Burbank Temple Emanuel El, said that he was “certainly going to be touching on the economy and our obligation to look out for each other, especially in times of economic hardship.”
“That ties in with our theme of loving your neighbor,” Flom added.
Temples will each hold their own services throughout the day for ticket prices that go up to $200, although no one will be turned away, rabbis said.
