Marks of the day

(Sept. 13, 2013) Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, begins this evening at sundown. The Jewish high holy days began Sept. 4 with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, one of the most important Jewish festivals. According to the Hebrew calendar, this year's feast was on the first two days in the seventh month. The date, touted by the ram's horn, varies every year, since Jews follow a lunisolar calendar, and is celebrated before the winter rains come.

According to Jewish tradition, God keeps records of one's good and bad actions over the year. All believers have to acknowledge what they have done in the previous year. According to custom, they have 10 days to repent. Then the day of atonement or Yom Kippur comes and Jews apologize for their misdeeds. They try to atone for their bad deeds by doing good actions. They pray for a better life and think of the ways which can lead them more holy living. According to popular belief, if one is sincere about his prayers, God will write nothing but good for him in the holy book.

Today also is Friday, the 13th, which superstition says can be an unlucky day. People usually are extra careful so as to avoid any misadventure.

Happy Labor Day!