As some UF students prepared their bodies to go hungry, they also prepared their minds for a day of reflection.
Yom Kippur is a day of atonement and reflection during which Jewish people ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings, according to Rabbi Gail Swedroe, the newest campus rabbi at UF Hillel.
There is also a 25-hour period of fasting.
Hillel hosted a dinner Tuesday night as a prelude to fasting. It was followed by Kol Nidre, a prayer service that negates any mistakes made in the past year.
Swedroe said Yom Kippur is the most significant and holiest holiday on the Jewish calendar.
She expected about 600 students to come to Wednesday services throughout the day. There will be Reform and Conservative services, she said.
Swedroe said her main focus for this year’s Day of Atonement will be reflecting on how to get your priorities in order.
“I think in today’s world it’s very easy to go, go, go,” she said. “It can be a day of solidifying what your commitments are.”
Kimmie Kleinman, 20-year-old economics junior and an Israel intern at Hillel, wishes more students got involved with the High Holidays and with the religion in general.
“I think it is important to celebrate as a community,” said Kleinman.
Joshua Kahn, the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow to Hillel, said he looks forward to the day of reflection as an opportunity to encourage students to reflect on their lives and futures.
“It’s more than long services and being hungry,” he said.
Brooke Schwartzman and Adam Firestone pass challah bread around the table during the pre-fast dinner for Yom Kippur at UF Hillel Tuesday night.
