Jewish believers gather in Center City to celebrate Yom Kippur

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Jewish believers gathered at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Center City at sunset Friday to celebrate Yom Kippur.

“Humanity will be given the chance for a new year with a fresh start and a clean slate if we work on ourselves, admit our mistakes and work toward a better future,” said Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian.

Jews around the world attend services in a synagogue, reflect and ask for forgiveness, and fast for 25 hours.

“This is one day of the year when all Jews come together to pray and ask for good,” said Tzvia Wexler, national development director for Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans. “Not just for us; we ask for good things for all people around the world.”

This holiday comes just four days after Jews remember those killed or taken hostage when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

Wexler said sadly: While their prayers continue, the war also continues.

“We all just want the good for everyone,” Wexler said. “We want peace. We want love. We want to be together and we are here to help each other.”

They said family and faith kept them alive.

“It's an opportunity for us to stand together as a community and say, 'You know, at the end of the day, this religion is not about nationalism. This religion is about love for the divine. It's about families and communities.' “They come together peacefully,” said Lewis Berry, the community’s former president.

“I believe faith is ultimately what gives us that extra drive, that extra push, that extra motivating drive to make sure that we can get out of our falls and rise from one level to the next,” Rabbi Zarnighian said.