For this reason, it is of great importance to read the portion of the Aqedah at the commencement of the Minha prayer on the day of Yom Kippur. In Imrei Sasson it is written that whoever reads the Aqedah with great intent, to serve his Creator as did Yishaq Abinu, will have all his sins forgiven.

During the last hours of the night, the day before Yom Kippur, Kapparoth – a formula of atonement – is made using chickens or money.

On 'Ereb Yom Kippur we prepare ourselves for the awe-filled day ahead of us. The following are some of the preparations:

• If possible, we should eat twice the amount of food we normally would on one day.
• It is good to eat fish in the morning.
• Both men and women go to the Miqweh.
• Hattarath Nedarim is made.
• Forgiveness is asked of one's parents, teachers, spouse and acquaintances.

The wearing of white clothes is again prescribed for Yom Kippur and Sepharadim should make every effort to adhere to this. We are filled with faith and confidence that, through His abundant mercy, our repentance will be accepted and we will come out of this day clean and pure like angels. Many Ashkenazim have the Minhagh of wearing a white shroud (as a reminder of the day of death) over their regular clothes. Sepharadim do not have this custom.

The evening services start before sunset so that the Berakha on the Sissith may be pronounced. In addition, the Kol Nidre service must be recited before sunset, as the absolution of vows cannot take place after that time.

Kol Nidre only annuls vows (which for reasons out of one's control one was unable to keep) between man and G-d and not man and his neighbor. Similarly, Yom Kippur is atonement for sins between man and his Creator only. As such, prior to Kol Nidre, the Hazzan should ask the congregation to forgive one another, to which all reply "Mahalnu", ("We have forgiven").

The Halakhoth connected with Yom Kippur are many and far too numerous to be mentioned here. One who has questions concerning this awesome day and the fast itself should consult a Hakham.

The entire day should be spent in prayer and repentance. The prayers that one utters should be said with understanding and one who is unable to do so should, at least, recite them in a tearful voice.

At the conclusion of the fast, after the blowings of the Shofar, 'Arbith should be prayed carefully and slowly. Every effort must be made not to rush it (in order to get home and eat) and make this the first sin after our cries and supplications for forgiveness.