While Pascack Valley students enjoyed another day off on Oct. 5, the Jewish community celebrated Yom Kippur—the final day of the High Holy Days—from sundown on Oct. 4 to sundown on Oct. 5. 

This holiday is celebrated following “the new year;” it’s a day to “cleanse all of my sins and renew [myself],” PV senior Jayden Rosenthal said.  

Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday focused on repenting for the sins committed throughout the last year. In order to repent, you fast from sundown on the first night to sundown the next day. 

When asked about her plans before the holiday, Rosenthal said she was going to “eat a bunch of food” with her family on Tuesday night in order to prepare for Wednesday’s fast, which includes refraining from food and drink. 

Rosenthal stated that individuals tend to avoid eating really salty and sugary foods because it “makes you want more water.” 

According to ABC11, “Jewish families and friends gather together to break their fast” to end the day of atonement, the idea of reparation.

When asked about her plans for breaking her fast, PV Junior Vanessa Kramer said she plans to break her fast with “bagels, fruits, and yummy desserts.” 

To Kramer, family is the most important aspect of Yom Kippur.

“[I enjoyed] spending the holiday with my family to reflect on our sins and to do better in the next year,” Kramer said.