Happy Fasting

So I wondered why the subways were empty, the market was thin, streets were empty and the office seemed so dead. I finally realized that today is Yom Kippur. After living in NYC for more than a decade, I'm finally getting it all straight. Rosh Hoshanah is the beginning of the new year and this year it fell on October 4, but in 2004 it was on Sept 16. This year they partied like it was 5766, because it is the year 5766 according to the Jewish calender. That's a lotsa years, people.

Anyway, Yom Kippur begins at nightfall eight days after the start of the new year. Thus, it's last night and today. The words Yom Kippur mean "Day of Atonement" and the day is recognized as the holiest day of the Jewish year. For us gentiles, or goyim, it is also known as "The Feast of the Immaculate Reservation" (compliments to Lernsie). That table at Spice Market? A booth at Pastis? Tonight's the night people. You can probably walk right in and they'll seat you.

Here, compliments of Wikipedia, is how it all came about. Dig it:

After the Israelites alienated God by worshipping the golden calf, Moses ascended Mount Sinai to ask God for forgiveness. While Moses was on the mountain, the Israelites repented by fasting. On the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (Yom Kippur), Moses descended Mount Sinai with the second Tablets. Thus, on the first Yom Kippur (approximately 3,500 years ago), the Israelites succeeded to atone for their sins and renegotiate their covenant with God.

So now we know.