Yom Kippur, starts tonight (on 3 October 2014).

Yom Kippur (also known as Day of Atonement) is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. The day is traditionally observed with a day of fasting and prayer.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said

Ahead of the holy day of Yom Kippur, I send my warmest good wishes to Britain’s Jewish communities.

Yom Kippur’s universal message of forgiveness is an important one and provides a chance to step back from the distractions of everyday life and focus on that central theme.

My thoughts will be with all of you observing the fast.

G’mar Hatimah Tovah.

See the video message by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon