Observe Yom Kippur 2012 on Mercer Island

Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.

Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On Sept. 25, observation will begin at sunset.

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation will hold a Kol Nidre Service on Tuesday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and a Yom Kippur service on Wednesday morning  starting at 9:40 a.m., running until 2:45 p.m., and another service at 5 p.m. Tickets for entry will be required for tonight's services — the largest of the year, according to Herzl-Ner Tamid — and must be collected from its office at the synagogue before 3 p.m. today (if you miss the services this week, Herzl is inviting the public to attend Sukkot services next Monday and Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. No tickets are required for Sukkot).

Beit Messiah will hold Erev Yom Kippur & Kol Nidre on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Yom Kippur services on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Congregation Shevet Achim, located at 5017 90th Ave SE, will hold a lighting of the candles at 6:42 p.m. and Yom Kippur services will be held on Wednesday at 7:43 p.m.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before—once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.

To observe the High Holy Days and holiday period before Kol Nidrei and after the Yom Kippur fast, many Jewish specialties are made. But there are a few staples that usually make their way onto the table. Try a honey cake or noodle kugel.

Stopsky's Delicatessen is marking Yom Kippur with a break-fast pre-fixe tasting menu representing both Sephardic and Ashkenazinc influences.

Here's a sneak-peak at the menu:

• Sephardic Red Lentil Soup Turmeric Crème Fraiche, Fresh Herbs
• Grilled Eggplant and Artichoke Salad Castelvetrano Olive, Preserved Lemon, Smoked Almond, Canned Tomato, Creamy Tahini Dressing WINE
•   Caramelized Onion and Smashed Chick Pea Frittata Poached Farm Egg, Shakshuka Sauce, Herb Labane
•   Pan Seared Rainbow Trout Warm Chanterelle and Leek Salad, Brown Butter Challah Toast, Lemon-Dill Aioli
•   Roasted Herb Chicken Breast Herb Matzo Ball, Grilled Carrots & Onions, Mustard Greens
•   Pear and Walnut Kugel Mascarpone, Quince Compote, Honey Crisp, Fresh Thyme

According to Stopsky's, you don't have to be Jeiwsh to enjoy this meal, but seating is limited. Call 206-236-4564 to check availability.