Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is celebrated after Jewish New Year.
Translated as the Day of Atonement, it represents the pinnacle of religious significance within Judaism.
This sacred occasion falls on the 10th day of Tishrei according to the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to a date in September or October.
The observance holds such importance that Israel's roads mostly empty, whilst synagogues fill with worshippers who might not attend services regularly throughout the year.
Yom Kippur centres on seeking divine forgiveness through reflection and prayer for transgressions committed during the preceding 12 months.
Those marking Yom Kippur refrain from consuming food or drink for 25 hours, beginning at sunset and concluding at nightfall the following evening.
All Jewish adults participate in this abstinence, with exceptions made only for children and those suffering from illness.
Beyond fasting, other restrictions are observed during this period, including avoiding wearing leather footwear or bathing.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar
|GETTY
Worshippers spend extensive periods in prayer throughout the day, engaging in formal confession of their wrongdoings.
These spiritual practices aim to eliminate worldly distractions, enabling complete concentration on internal reflection.
Whilst most Jewish movements emphasise sin and forgiveness, some denominations like Reconstructionist Judaism place greater emphasis on personal aspirations and establishing intentions for the coming year.
Yom Kippur forms part of Judaism's High Holy Days, alongside the related holiday Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), to create a period of intense spiritual significance.
Together, these occasions mark the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance.
Yom Kippur centres around reflection and prayer
|GETTY
The day's importance for Jewish communities can be compared to the significance of Christmas for Christians, though the nature differs markedly.
Rather than celebration, this remains a time of solemn reflection and abstinence.
The fundamental purpose extends beyond individual contemplation to encompass broader reconciliation.
Participants seek to restore harmony not only with the divine but also with their fellow human beings.
Through these practices, the observance serves as an annual opportunity for internal cleansing and renewal within Jewish tradition.
What happened in Manchester?
As members of the Jewish faith marked Yom Kippur today, tragedy struck at a synagogue in Manchester.
Police were called to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, just after 9.30am by a member of the public who claimed to have witness a car being driven towards members of the public and said a man had been stabbed.
Four people were initially treated by paramedics for both vehicle and stab wounds.
A man, suspected to be the offender, was shot by firearm officers shortly before 9.40am.
Greater Manchester Police later confirmed two members of the public, as well as the attacker, had died.
Police have confirmed three people - including the suspected attacker - died following the incident
|PA
The force earlier declared a major incident and said it had “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.
More police are being deployed to synagogues across the country following the attack, which was described by a rabbi as “every Jewish person’s worst nightmare”.
Sir Keir Starmer said he was “absolutely shocked” by the incident and confirmed “additional police assets” are being rolled out to synagogues.
The Prime Minister, who is returning early from a summit in Copenhagen following the attack, vowed the Government will “do everything to keep our Jewish community safe”.
A bomb disposal unit was called to the scene at the synagogue
|PA
He said: “I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
"I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”
The Community Security Trust (CST) said it is working with police “to ensure security at synagogues, and in the wider Jewish community, is as strong as it can be over the coming days and weeks”.
Police have been deployed to synagogues across the country
|PA
The organisation urged people not to congregate outside communal premises and said synagogues should keep their doors closed at all times.
The Israeli embassy in London said it was also in contact with the CST and British authorities “to monitor developments, and ensure that the necessary support is provided”.
More From GB News